Someone I love gave me a box full of darkness.....
It took me years to understand that this too is a gift

Don't love too deeply until you know that the other person loves you with the same depth because the depth of your love today is going to be the depth of your wound tomorrow....... Love is only beautiful if the person u love  loves u back the same way ...............

You never know when the happy moments turn into the darkest one. The thing what you desire deep into your heart may come true if it's something good or bad. The gift can be a curse too. 

Now in front of my eyes I can see him dying.

"Please save him sisi please" the little boy cried.

"I-I wait I will-"

"Don't you do that Dora just take back the magic and come back"

"Please let me help him please it-" I cried begging him pleading to the voice.

"Are you going against my rules I said just take back the magic and come back" he said in a straight voice which held no emotions

I bend down rising my hand as the tears fall from my eyes. Taking back the the illusion. As the gramps of the kid smiles looking towards kid patting his head. 

"I'm sorry" I said

"I wish if only I can gift someone which could be treasure forever"

You never know when the happy moments turn into the darkest one. The thing what you desire deep into your heart may come true if it's something good or bad. The gift can be a curse too. 

Now in front of my eyes I can see him dying.

"Please save him sisi please" the little boy cried.

"I-I wait I will-"

"Don't you do that Dora just take back the magic and come back"

"Please let me help him please it-" I cried begging him pleading to the voice.

"Are you going against my rules I said just take back the magic and come back" he said in a straight voice which held no emotions

I bend down rising my hand as the tears fall from my eyes. Taking back the the illusion. As the gramps of the kid smiles looking towards kid patting his head. 

"I'm sorry" I said

"I wish if only I can gift someone which could be treasure forever"

A client dilively of love

After that kanashimi got straight in the company to get his next package, after getting the package he took off while he is driving.



[You have a delivery in naruto world.]

[do you want to accept or deny the delivery.] system said



*Sigh*"i guess since it's a system i must expect it, since system explanation is illogical too."kanashimi said.



[do you want to accept it or not?] system said



"I accept."kanashimi said.



[Host now will be transfer so host need find a secret place because it will cause a space and time warp.] system said as kanashimi started to find a secret place it in a dark alley.



[Host now will going to transfer in the world of naruto.]



Kanashimi can see a distortion in the air, and it open kanashimi knows that he need to enter in the distortion. After kanashimi entered he can see a destroyed house along with a trees, and he can see a yellow haired which must be the fourth hokage while fighting a super tall fox with nine tails maybe about same a 60 floor building , and a red hair beautiful woman holding a baby.



"The fourth hokage is fighting a kyubii, the one who is holding a baby must be kushina,hmmm how can i help? that's right system open a starter pack if i have."kanashimi thought while watching the fight of minato and the kyubii.



[Does host want to open his novice gift pack.] system said



"It's just like any system have a novice, well anyway system open it. Maybe some martial arts or battle experience."kanashimi said in his mind while getting on the fighting stance.



[Opening the novice gift pack host has received a kamikaze seal:eight trigrams seal style. , temporary kage chakra.]system said.



"Only just a seal nothing even bruce lee martial arts. Well anyway i must seal half of naruto, and half for kushina.So that naruto will not experience what he just experience in anime."kanashimi said in his mind after that a knowledge of the seal, and the system giving him temporary kage chakra.



Kanashimi then dash towards the two after that he use the eight trigram seal, after that kanashimi said something.



"kyubii can't get on my way delivering a package to the fourth hokage."kanashimi and then said.



"Hakke no fūin shiki"kanashimi said then kurama was automatically seal bothof kushina and naruto. seeing this made kushina and minato dumbfounded even kanashimi.



"I'm impressed with this system it can automatically seal the kyubii then why did he even give me a knowledge, well whatsoever.As long as naruto have parents."kanashimi thought then someone call him.



"Hello there, thanks for the help, and by the way i'm the fourth hokage. What do you need to deliver for me, and what is the package?"minato said with a smile since he know that he feel a kage level chakra in kanashimi, but it suddenly disappeared like it doesn't exist it means that this man control and compressing the chakra is at monster level which a genius even like him look like a kid in front of kanashimi besides he know that this man is only just at his 15, and kanashimi helped them so the fourth hokage have a good opinion about him because he know why would he helped them if they are enemy. The fourth hokage didn't know that kanashimi really doesn't have a chakra.



"Oh hello there fourth hokage i'm here to deliver a package for you."kanashimi said while taking the box and a delivery signature.



"A package what is it?and why are you taking a box and a paper and pen."minato said with a curious tone.



"this box is the package, and you need to sign this."while giving the box to minato follow up by a delivery signature.



Minato then accept the box, and sign the delivery signature.Opening the box minato can see a scroll, opening it his eyes is shining.



[Host has completed the delivery. 1 minutes from now, the host will transfer back in his original world.]system said.



[Host can ask for star rating delivery.]



While hearing the system, kanashimi get the delivery signature,and was about to go he suddenly said.



"Fourth hokage don't forget about giving me a five star ok even if it's four it's ok."kanashimi said before disappeared in the thin air, leaving minato in daze since he is the fastest ninja in konoha now doubting his speed since he doesn't even see how he run or jump, even kanashimi presence he can't feel.



–––

There's a some space distortion in a dark valley revealing a young man with white hair along with his hazel eyes, and his face is still ordinary, but one can see that it started to form a handsome face.



This is kanashimi receiving a it's first minor reward.



[Ding host deliver the package to the fourth hokage host will receive a minor reward +43 charm]



[Ding host just received a 5 normal,and 1 small gift pack from minato kamikaze in the world of naruto.]system said.



[Does host want to open it?]system asked.



A smile appeared in the face of kanashimi and he said excitedly.



" System open the 5 normal gift pack."



[Host just received a battle experience of the fourth hokage.]



[Host just received the physique of the fourth hokage.]



[Host just received a aura of the hokage.]



[Host just received a fourth hokage fighting instinct.]



[Host just received a taijutsu of the fourth hokage.]



"Well,this is awesome aren't it!!!?Although i need to face such a monste, but the reward is generous."kanashimi said excitedly.While kanashimi said that he didn't know that his skin became pale white,slimmer, and soft. 



[Does host want to open the small gift pack?.]system ask 



"Ok system open the small gift pack" kanashimi said excitedly and he wanted to try the taijutsu.



[Opening the small gift pack host received a grandmaster skill in piano.]system said.



"I thought it will be something like minato chakra or something, but with my reward do i need to complain, besides having a skill besides in battle is good too."kanashimi said in his self as he was about to hop and deliver the package he hear the system.



(A/N:I get some ideas in novel, fanfic and if my grammar is wrong the you can comment it.)



Kanashimi is the guy with a cheerful attitude an orphan and doesn't have a friend or basically a loner although he is quite handsome.His past time is reading a fanfic watching some anime

Kanashimi just sleep at night and he got reincarnated as a delivery man.

he got a delivery system which can travel many worlds 
(A/N:book cover not mine)

Sister Hong took her leave.
Elder Dog Nicholas also never returned. No one knew where he went off to play. Maybe he was thinking of ways of how to get onto the poodle.
Elder Dog Nicholas' body was short and stout. Even if he stood up straight, he wouldn't be able to penetrate, let alone get onto the poodle. Perhaps he was cowering in shame now. 
"Express delivery for Elder Dog Nicholas!"
At this moment, a man working for an express delivery company came with a huge box. It's contents were unknown.
Lin Fan looked up at Fraud Tian. "Can you help me see what's inside?"
The express delivery worker looked at Fraud Tian. "You're Elder Dog Nicholas? Can you sign this express delivery form."
Fraud Tian signed the document with his own signature. He saw Elder Dog Nicholas chasing after another dog, then pointed at him. "That's Elder Dog Nicholas, we're just signing as recipients."
The express delivery worker turned his head and took a glance, looking overjoyed. There were a lot of interesting happenings around recently, but he didn't say anything more as he took his leave in his delivery van.
Lin Fan curiously looked at the humongous box in wonder. "I wonder what's in the box."
"Not sure, but it's rather heavy." Fraud Tian shook his head.
"Maybe it could be one of Elder Dog Nicholas' fans?" Zhao Zhongyang chuckled.
Lin Fan laughed. "How can it be? If any fans were to send him something, it would have to go through me first."
"What's there to guess? Just open it and take a look." Fraud Tian took a key and sliced open the tape on the box. "This is for Elder Dog Nicholas, and if you b*stards want it too, you've got to fight him for it."
Lin Fan immediately lost interest when he saw the contents of the box.
Premium dog food!
Expensive dog food!
It was a whole box of dog food, together with a few dog food bowls.
"Wow, I never realized that Elder Dog Nicholas was this popular. Someone even went out of their way to prepare a whole feast for him.
Zhao Zhongyang opened his live broadcast chat. "Which generous person gave this to Elder Dog Nicholas? This is so kind of you!"
In the live broadcast channel.
"So cool! This brother is so fast! The case happened only yesterday, and this gift box was already sent today."
"I was the one who sent it. Elder Dog Nicholas is just too strong! He should be rewarded well."
"Damn. We should also do the same as well! Elder Dog Nicholas is so awesome! We would be doing him a disservice if we didn't give him something after all that he's done."
While the people were all tuned into the live broadcast, the express delivery van roared down the street to the front of the shop once more.
"Another delivery for Elder Dog Nicholas! Please sign here," the express delivery worker shouted.
Lin Fan and Fraud Tian looked at each other in disbelief. This was completely against any logic.
Fraud Tian signed the document and opened up the box. Another box of dog food, dog bowls, and dog toys.
"Looks like Elder Dog Nicholas is really popular. This is his second gift already, and it's huge! This amount of dog food would be enough to last him a lifetime," Wu You Lan said.
"Our shop isn't big enough to keep all the dog food." Lin Fan sighed and shook his head.
Wu You Lan thought for a while. "Actually, we can distribute the food to the other dogs. There are quite a few abandoned dogs out here on Cloud Street. There should be no problem if we distributed it to all of them."
"That's a good idea." Lin Fan's eyes brightened up. "Either way, Elder Dog Nicholas won't be able to finish all of these. It's better to just share it among all the other dogs."
Not long after, the express delivery worker made another round to Cloud Street.
"Another delivery for Elder Dog Nicholas!" By this time, the express delivery worker was smarter. He looked for every single package delivered to Elder Dog Nicholas at the goods delivery center and gathered them before making his delivery.
He was in disbelief. Who exactly was this Elder Dog Nicholas? Every single delivery for him were just huge boxes after huge boxes. He couldn't believe it when Fraud Tian pointed out to him that the dog who was running around was Elder Dog Nicholas. How could a dog get this popular?
Fraud Tian signed to receive one box, and the express delivery worker brought him another. "Every single package in the van is his."
At this moment, Fraud Tian was stunned. He took a glance at the back of the delivery van. There were at least ten huge boxes inside. If he were to keep all of them in the shop, there wouldn't even be space to move a leg.
Lin Fan slapped his forehead after realizing the reason why there were so many deliveries for Elder Dog Nicholas. Zhao Zhong Yang's live broadcast channel was quite popular, especially that day when they were looking for the missing child. The viewership went beyond hundreds of thousands. Viewers sending gifts was a normal thing to expect.
Leaving all the express delivery boxes at the shop front, Lin Fan asked Fraud Tian to gather all the other shop owners at Cloud Street to split the goods. All the dogs on Cloud Street won't be able to finish the food, let alone Elder Dog Nicholas. He would explode from eating all of it.
"Well, it's official. These dogs are more popular and more valuable than us." Fraud Tian let out a huge sigh.
All the shop owners in Cloud Street gathered around Lin Fan's shop front. Their view of the wild dogs Cloud Street changed completely. Before, they were always afraid that those dogs would bite and were too dirty, but after Sister Hong's case, they suddenly became welcoming of the dogs. Each shop owner took one or two boxes back so that they could feed the wild dogs or their own pets.
What was originally Elder Dog Nicholas' gift was given out to everyone. Lin Fan only kept a few packs of food for Elder Dog Nicholas.
If Elder Dog Nicholas knew that he was so well liked by the netizens and had received so many gifts from them which were subsequently given away by his heartless owners, no one could tell if he would leap up suddenly to bite them on the balls. Word of this better not get out.
What bothered Lin Fan the most now was his promise he made to them the day before. The promise that the dogs could ask for scallion pancakes anytime. Looking at the current situation, these dogs didn't have any sense of decency. On Elder Dog Nicholas' command, all the dogs would gather from all around and sit in front of Lin Fan's scallion pancake counter to wait patiently for their scallion pancakes. This was too much stress for him.
It looked like Lin Fan had to have a talk with Elder Dog Nicholas. But no matter the outcome, he had to make sure that Elder Dog Nicholas was on his side.
"Woof woof!"
Elder Dog Nicholas was depressed. He plopped himself in front of Lin Fan's shop, unable to move, his olive-black eyes gloomy and overcast. He had lost all hope and confidence in himself. He looked up at the poodle across the street and then looked down and buried his face in the ground. His plan was a complete failure.
"Elder Dog, I have something to discuss with you. I don't have enough ingredients to make scallion pancakes, so you won't be able to eat that many in the future. If you keep on calling your other dog pals to come and eat, I'm afraid there may not even be enough scallion pancakes for yourself."
Elder Dog Nicholas' mood was in a slump, and he didn't feel like talking at all. But upon hearing that he might not have scallion pancakes to eat, he immediately stood up and barked.
Lin Fan shook his head. "I can't do anything about it. I don't have enough ingredients. But if it was just you eating every day, I'll have enough ingredients then."
Lin Fan thought for a while more.
"But since you're the Elder Dog, I reckon you won't just keep it to yourself, will you?"
"Woof woof!"
"They don't have to eat it then. Just let me eat it. Just make one for me every day!" Elder Dog Nicholas barked.
Lin Fan chuckled. "Good, good. Please don't be so generous next time. I'll make scallion pancakes for you only. But if you tell your other dog pals to come, there won't be any more scallion pancakes for you."
"Woof woof!"
Elder Dog Nicholas agreed without hesitation.
Lin Fan was laughing on the inside. Although Elder Dog Nicholas wasn't stupid, he wasn't very smart either. He was rather easy to dupe.
"Can I ask if there's a Master Lin around here?" A voice came from outside the shop.
Lin Fan looked up. There were two people standing outside. He recognized one of them as Director Zhang from Ren He Hospital but he didn't recognize the other.
"That would be me. What's up?" Lin Fan replied.


I am Lin Fan and I've become a jack of all trades just because of a powerful Encyclopedia. 
In the first ever competition organised for trolls, all the other contestants lost. The crowd exclaimed, "Brother, you're so good at trolling." 
Lin Fan replied, "But I've never been trolling..."

Outside the mountain…
A large group of NPCs and players were trying to break the mountain, they were wearing steel, leather and cloth armor. This showed that there were all kinds of classes in the group.
The group of players was in the back, they were the ones who had a duty to fight the other players who were with the target. They were having a conversation about the quest.
"Boss, this quest we received seems to be a little strange." One of the players asked.
"Yes, I realized that too. To capture just one ordinary NPC would not require all these people, this is very strange. But it doesn't matter, our task is to capture the NPC and take it back to the capital. "The leader said, when he took the quest, he felt that something was wrong, but as it was not in his interest, he just accepted.
"Soldiers, explode this mountain!!!!!!!! Our target is hidden inside its !!!!!! "The commander said.
"Roger !!!!!!!!"
The wizards were using spells to try to explore the mountain, fortunately for Liu Yang and his group, they were hitting the wrong spot. To open the entrance, they would have to destroy the door used by Liu Yang and the girls. This gave the group time to escape, that was part of the quest.
Players had to realize that something was wrong and take action to find the right method to enter the mountain.
…
While the players and the NPCs were attacking the mountain slope, Liu Yang, Little White, Nina, and Sophie, the four were already far from the village.
Nina guided the group to the deepest part of the mountain, there was a secret passage that the old villagers built to escape any disasters. What was happening now, it was considered a disaster.
At the end of the pasture fields was a large mountain wall, the shape of the village like a bubble dug into the mountain, so the walls belonged to the mountain.
The group came to a place that was covered by large trees and tall grass, the place looked like a small forest. After the forest that was the mountain wall.
"Young master, behind this forest is the secret entrance to the back of the mountain and is also the path to the Mountain Guard Village. Follow my footsteps, this is for you not to get lost, this forest is a little maze"
Nina led the group through the forest, they went through several detours before reaching the mountain wall. The wall was covered with tree roots and leaves.
Looking at the wall, several memories popped into Nina's mind, but she didn't have time to be thrilled, she took a deep breath and began to draw some strange inscriptions on the mountain wall, sometime later the inscriptions was finished and began to glow.
Part of the wall began to open, a door-sized entrance opened, the interior dark and dim.
"Let's go," Nina said hurriedly. The group followed quickly from behind, as they entered, the door closed again.
Little White was being used as a flashlight to light the way. The corridor looked like a small maze of tunnels within the mountain.
…
Liu Yang's group was running as hard as possible to left the mountain. Outside, the group of NPCs and players were doing their best to break the mountain wall.
While that kind of thing was going on. The human kingdom was going through a great tumult, and what caused it was just one item: The Black Shell.
Going back a few hours ago…
At the headquarters of the Luminous Forest, the weather was tense, members of The One guild arrived to talk about the engagement. And the news about the items offered as wedding dowry was spread.
Because of these things, Rose, Wisdom Tree, and Furious Leaf were being pressured by guild members and family. They wanted Rose to marry One Shield in exchange for these properties and items.
The guild's main hall was in turmoil, many other important clan members paid a visit, this was at the request of The One guild. This was to put further pressure on Wisdom Tree to make his decision and make him lose some face.
Rose and her parents were sitting at a table while One Shield and his parents were across the table. The inquisitive from other guilds and families were seated at the surrounding tables.
"Wisdom Tree, time is running out, and the young man who caught your daughter's attention has not yet appeared or done anything that might impress you." One Dagger spoke in a casual tone, but his words held sarcasm.
"One Dagger, time's not over yet, two minutes left before time." Wisdom Tree and his wife were already getting nervous, so far, Liu Yang had not shown him anything. The only calm one was Rose, she had confidence in Liu Yang, although not knowing what he did or was going to do, she trusted him.
"A minute or two doesn't matter, we can get right to the main subject." One Dagger didn't want to wait any longer, he was already getting impatient.
"One Dagger, I give my word to that young man, and I will keep it until the end. It's okay to wait two more minutes, you've waited a few days. "Wisdom Tree would not give up, his daughter said that Liu Yang had already made preparations and would appear at the appointed time.
…
A few seconds later…
3… 2… 1…
"Wisdom Tree, time's up, looks like that young man let you down," One Dagger said funnily, it seemed like he was all right by his calculations.
But neither is reality the same as imagination.
"I apologize for the meddling, guild master, I have news to report." A player dressed in a steel armor set appeared.
"Say it," Wisdom Tree said with a hopeful tone.
"A federation delivery man is at the guild entrance, he is here to deliver something to the older princess" The player quickly said what he had to say, he did not dare to be negligent.
"Follow this delivery man here, this is an order." Wisdom Tree solemnly, internally he was happy, the person he was waiting for finally arrived, even though it is not Liu Yang who came.
"Yes Guild Master"
"Guild master, this will not be necessary. The young miss has already asked me to bring the delivery boy here. "A female voice was heard, she was Little Thorns.
Rose asked her to keep an eye on the entrance and wait for the delivery man to arrive, as Liu Yang had already said that a delivery man would appear to deliver a gift.
Little Thorns entered the hall, behind her was a middle-aged man, it was possible to feel a powerful aura emanating from his body.
When everyone in the room saw his name, they were surprised that to be able to afford a delivery man of this level was very expensive and not anyone would have enough money to pay. That fact alone proves that Rose's alleged lover was someone who had money. Malachi - Level 500 (Elite).
Malachi was brought to Rose by Little Thorns when the girls' eyes met, they just nodded.
"Sir, she's Rose, the person you're looking for." Little Thorns pointed at Rose.
"Thank you. Miss, I am here to deliver an order to you. Show me something that proves your identity. "The delivery man spoke respectfully.
"Sir, get it." Rose showed a small metal sign containing her information. Malachi picked up a small metal plate and compared the information.
"The information has been confirmed, I ask you to sign here to receive the order." After confirming the information, Malachi pulled out a small box wrapped in plain paper, on top of the box was a small plate to sign.
Rose signed her name, and a light shone on the plaque before disappearing, which proved she was indeed Rose. Liu Yang had asked Little Thorns this information before delivering the gift to the couriers.
"Thanks"
"Thank you, sir"
After delivering the item, the delivery man left. Everyone at the place was curious to know what is in the box.
One Shield's party and the guests realized that the delivery man was the person Wisdom Tree was expecting. The crowd saw Rose's faces, she was showing a beautiful smile when she looked at the box.
Rose didn't know what Liu Yang had sent her, just because Liu Yang had given her a gift, that was the reason for Rose to be happy. Little Thorns wasn't jealous of it, she knew this was something that had to happen.
"Wisdom Tree, why don't you show what this young man sent." One Dagger said he didn't believe Liu Yang could send anything that could get everyone's attention.
"My dear daughter, can you open the box and show us the contents?"
"Yes." Rose began to unwrap the paper that covered the box. A white box with the design of a rose with its thorns was drawn on the lid appeared.
The box opened slowly…


In a world where power within a game is used to solve crises in a country. Find out what our players will do to survive in this world, where they care about their level and equipment.

---------

The story begins when the young Liu Yang turns sixteen and has his initiation to start playing a game called Project: Unknown.

Due to an accident while he completed a quest, Liu Yang got a mysterious chest, and after discovering that it belonged to a master of souls. Liu Yang embarks on the journey to becoming the next master of souls.

Follow the adventures of Liu Yang as he talks and helps those who have died, but have not left this world.

This is the tale about the one who has the power to see and talk to souls.

This is The Tale of Souls.

--------------------

Cover created by MikeWe - https://forum.webnovel.com/d/27252-free-covers-for-your-books
--------------------

Lin Kerou got up and walked towards the gifts table.
The people attending the wedding today were all well-heeled people of status. Their wedding gifts were of course luxurious and expensive.
Ignoring all these other gits, Lin Kerou instructed the servant girl to find Li Beinian's gift.
When the servant girl heard this, she said, "Please wait a moment. Miss Li's wedding gift is very big and it's in another room. The delivery person told us that it's a fragile item and alerted us to handle it with care."
As she spoke, she led Lin Kerou in the direction of the room.
The servant walked towards a large box that was about half the height of a person.
The box was exquisitely presented. Not only was it decorated with colorful packaging, but it was also tied with beautiful colored sashes.
The gift occupied a corner and looked very different from the other gifts.
It was an exceptionally big package.
Lin Kerou looked at the space where the gifts were placed and frowned. "Why should we have a space set aside for her gift?"
The servant girl was at a loss for an answer.
The fact was that the delivery man had repeatedly reminded them not to break it. Otherwise, it would be bad omen for the newlyweds' relationship.
The servant girl thought about it and decided it was best to say it like it was.
Lin Kerou sneered when she heard this, "What nonsense. Unwrap it!"
The servant girl immediately nodded and did as she was told.
The box was huge and the girl could not unwrap it by herself, so she went out to get another servant girl to help.
The moment the gift was unwrapped and the lid of the box was lifted off, Lin Kerou saw the beautiful porcelain doll contained within.
A porcelain doll?
Lin Kerou frowned as the lid was completely removed.
The gift was finally revealed.
Indeed, it was a set of porcelain dolls!
The pair of dolls consisted of a boy and a girl doll. The boy doll was on the left, and the girl doll, on the right. The former was dressed in a suit and leather shoes, while the latter was decked in a white dress. The facial features of these charming-looking dolls bore uncanny resemblance to Mu Donglin and Lin Kerou.
Obviously, these dolls were created based on their images.
Between the pair of ceramic Lin Kerou and Mu Donglin, there was a cute, grinning porcelain baby doll. It's front teeth were just erupting through the pink gums and it wore diapers.
At this point, the servant girl noticed a card tucked under the doll.
On it were the words:
"Wishing Mr. Mu Donglin and Miss Lin Kerou a happy marriage. This is a gift that I specially commissioned from a master. I've named it: Family.
P.S. Please note, this is ceramic, also called ice porcelain. It's extremely thin!
Lin Kerou looked at those written words and was immediately enraged. She shouted angrily, "The b*tch!"
Such a fragile item for a wedding gift?
A fragile item was bad enough, but the girl actually gave them porcelain with cracked glaze?
Was she making a mockery out of their marriage?
By naming this thing "Family", was she cursing their family to be broken?
Lin Kerou crushed the card in her hand, turning it into a twisted ball.
The servant girls fell silent and looked at each other in fear.
Lin Kerou's expression changed a number of times as she tried to calm herself down. But the more she tried, the angrier she became.
Suddenly, she felt a pain in her abdomen and her face turned pale. She clutched her belly and said, "Quick, help me sit down."



On the surface, he is the aloof and standoffish patriot whose sole purpose is to serve the nation. On the darker side, he is an invincible, powerful and mysterious man. 
She has devised her scheme carefully, plotting against him to cheat him out of his everything and his first experiences. In the end, he flees, leaving all of his assets behind. 
On the second day, however, she is threatened with a knife and forced to go to church. 
He declares obnoxiously, “You either marry me, or die.”
“I’ll marry you! I’ll marry you! I’ll marry you, will that do!?!”

Lin Yan was rather helpless as she listened to their snide remarks.
Qi Shaoyuan was the one who had issued the challenge. What did this have to do with her?
Anyway, she couldn't be bothered to retort. If there was a need to, she wouldn't mind having a race.
Before Andrea could reply, the imposter strolled slowly towards them.
Andrea's eyes flickered in excitement.
She had never met Yeva before, so she couldn't be sure of her identity.
"Madam Yeva, let me make an introduction."
Lin Shuya smiled and pulled Andrea forward.
"Yes?" the imposter asked.
"Miss Andrea is an actress from Hollywood who has been your fan for years. She has tried to meet you on several occasions, but your team rejected her invitation," expounded Lin Shuya.
"Oh… Hi." The imposter extended her hand for a handshake.
"Boss… Boss…"
Andrea was trembling slightly at the sight of Yeva.
She shook the imposter's hand instantly.
"Shuya, thank you so much. Without your help, I would never have had the chance to meet Boss. To think that you were able to invite Boss…" Andrea turned to Lin Shuya.
Lin Shuya chuckled and replied demurely, "Sister Andrea, you are welcome. I like and admire you very much. If I manage to go to Hollywood in the future, we might be able to work together!"
"Sure! We definitely will!" Andrea nodded.
There was a sudden disturbance outside the villa.
Everyone diverted their attention to the entrance.
"This is a private estate! Please leave!" one of the bodyguards yelled.
"I'm here to deliver something! This is the correct address!"
…
Lin Yan grinned and turned to Pei Yutang. "Your gift is here! Go get it."
"Let them in!" Pei Yutang yelled to the bodyguard.
Pei Yutang was one of the guests, so they allowed the delivery men to enter with a huge wooden box.
"Be careful! This item is fragile and valuable!"
Pei Yutang looked worried.
The delivery men cast a quizzical look at Pei Yutang.
After placing the box on the floor, they left.
"Madam Yeva, this is a welcome gift from me and my friend. Hope you like it." 
Pei Yutang smiled happily at Yeva.
"Thank you, Mr. Pei. Please bring it to the back first," said the imposter.
Pei Yutang shook his head and quipped, "You should open it now. I have spent a lot of effort and time preparing this gift. Money isn't the issue. The point is that I've spent a lot of time choosing this gift!"
"This is from Miss Lin Yan and me," Pei Yutang added.
Lin Yan was speechless…
This kid was very considerate…
Lin Shuya had no choice but to instruct a staff member to open the box.
Pei Yutang had made an exaggerated statement and made everyone look forward to seeing the gift.
They wondered what was this valuable, priceless gift was.
When the gigantic clock was revealed, a long, awkward silence fell over the guests.
God Z stole a furtive glance at Pei Yutang.
Even though he knew that Pei Yutang wasn't that smart, why would he have chosen a clock as a gift?


Lin Yan is a professional car racer who fell from grace after her sister set her up. She becomes an actress for the sake of her boyfriend, who later cheats on her with her sister. Her life, career and relationships reach a slump.
Enter Pei Yucheng, the president of the JM corporation—a multinational conglomerate. He is unfathomable, cold and aloof. At random, he would mysteriously lose control of himself, and Lin Yan is the only one who is able to calm him down. The first time she meets him, she feels an indescribable fear deep within her soul. Unbeknownst to her, they had met each other a long time ago, but she had chosen to forget him…
Soon, something puzzling and strange begins to happen to her. Occasionally, she loses consciousness and ends up in Pei Yucheng's room the next day, completely unaware of how she ended up there. She suspects that something has possessed her…

As expected of a rich girl, she spares no expense no matter what she's doing. However, this time she went overboard a bit. How will I repay these favors in the future? Song Shuhang thought to himself.
In all honesty, meeting Soft Feather, Sixteen, Senior White, and even Doudou while entering the world of cultivators was really a huge stroke of luck.
Song Shuhang said to Sima Jiang, "Little Jiang, wait a moment. I'm not home right now. I'll call my mom and tell her to open the door."
"No problem," Sima Jiang replied with a smile.
After hanging up, Song Shuhang called his mother. "Ma, there is an express delivery for me downstairs. Can you open the door and sign it in my stead?"
"An express delivery? I understand." Then, Mama Song loudly shouted, "Old Song, there is Shuhang's express delivery downstairs. Go take a look!"
"I'm going," Papa Song replied.
It seems that father and Zhao Yaya have already returned from the hospital.
At this time, while still on the phone, Mama Song thoughtlessly asked, "They came so early in the morning… what did they send exactly?"
"A friend should have sent me some tea leaves. Right, is Elder Sister Yaya still there?" Song Shuhang asked.
Mama Song replied, "Yes, I convinced her to stay for a meal. She is also free these days."
"Then, after receiving the delivery, can you open the package and tell me what's inside? If there are only tea leaves inside, put them in a jar and give them to Elder Sister Yaya. Tell her that these are the same tea leaves from yesterday," Song Shuhang replied. Yesterday, he wanted to give Zhao Yaya another portion of tea leaves. However, he fell asleep afterward and wasn't able to.
"Got it," Mama Song said. "Moreover, come home a bit early for the meal, don't stay out for too long."
"Sure, I'll return home early," Song Shuhang said.
After hanging up, he swallowed a qi and blood pill and kept practicing. Since he was already at it, it was better to complete today's round of practice.
❄️❄️❄️
At this time, Papa Song arrived downstairs and saw the tall and strong-looking Sima Jiang. Behind were also four stocky men in black suits guarding a big box.
"Is this Shuhang's delivery?" Papa Song curiously asked using Wenzhou area's dialect—Anyway, who delivers packages like this? With four men in black suits watching over it?
"Haha, you must be Shuhang's father, right? You two really look similar!" Sima Jiang laughed and also used Wenzhou City's standard accent. Afterward, he went forward and gave Papa Song his business card. "I am Fengshou Express Delivery's Sima Jiang, and I'm here to deliver this big box. Do you want us to bring it upstairs?"
As a member of an elite company of express deliveries, Sima Jiang knew many languages, and he also knew over ten Chinese dialects so as to avoid not understanding what the client was saying.
"I see, go ahead. Thanks." Papa Song took the business card and nodded.
This box was a cube with sides measuring 1.6 meters. Therefore, it was tough for him alone to bring it up. Anyway, Papa Song and Song Shuhang's shared only around 10% of their facial features. As a consequence, Sima Jiang's flattery had deeply impressed him.
"Is the attitude of your Fengshou Express Delivery always so good?" Papa Song thoughtlessly asked.
"Of course! If you have an express delivery to send, just give me a call and I'll be there!" Sima Jiang started to shamelessly advertise his company. At the same time, he gave Papa Song some papers to sign. "I'll have to ask Mr. Song to sign here."
Papa Song smiled and nodded. Afterward, he signed the papers.
However, he thought in his heart—Is their attitude so good because Shuhang is a big client of their company?
Papa Song was a seasoned man and had dealt with a variety of people for many years. Therefore, he could roughly gauge the situation just with a glance.
Is the thing in this box really so precious?
The four men in black suits cautiously lifted the wooden box and brought it inside the home, putting it in the middle of the hall.
Afterward, Sima Jiang bid farewell to Song Shuhang's family members. "Mr. Song, we'll take our leave then."
And just in this fashion, he brought along the four men in black suits and left Song Shuhang's house, their heads held high.
❄️❄️❄️
"Were they from the express delivery company?" Mama Song asked from the kitchen, somewhat confused. None of them looked like an express delivery man. Especially those four men in black suits that looked the same as those bodyguards you see in movies.
"Shuhang, this boy… what did he exactly buy during this year that he got in touch with this company?" Papa Song muttered. Then, he recalled to mind that tractor that could run up to 150 km/h.
Considering that Shuhang is studying Mechanical Design and Manufacturing, is it possible that his talent is incredibly high and he has already started to design and manufacture large mechanical devices?
Then, Papa Song shot a look at the big box before his eyes and curiously asked, "Now, what does this box contain?"
"According to Shuhang, there should be tea leaves inside, but… would you really put tea leaves inside such a big box?" Mama Song's corner of the mouth twitched.
Just how many tea leaves can one put inside such a big box?
Probably so many that they could last for a lifetime.
Just as both of them were lost in thoughts, a noise transmitted from the box.
"What was that?" Papa Song said, somewhat vigilant.
"Rustle, rustle, rustle…" the sound coming from the box was getting more and more clear. There was indeed something inside moving.
Next, Mama Song and Papa Song saw that the cover of the box was slowly lifted.
This scene was enough to scare someone.
Mama Song gave Papa Song a meaningful glance. Papa Song immediately grabbed the nearby broom and tightened his right hand around it, even the muscle on his arm started to bulge faintly.
"Bang!"
At this time, the cover of the wooden box was sent flying.
"Ahahaha, surprise! Senior Song, did you see my incredible appearance?! Are you surprised?" A tall and slender girl suddenly stood up from the box. She was holding her hands high and had a pleased look on her face. It was the smile of someone that had successfully managed to play a prank.
Her long pitch-black hair dropped on her back like a waterfall. She was wearing a white t-shirt and cropped jeans and was full of energy. The most eye-catching part was her two very long legs!
Mama Song opened her mouth wide (😮) and wasn't able to close it for a while.
Papa Song was holding onto the broom, his face awkward.
"Eh? What?" The girl with long legs looked all around and saw the surprised Mama Song and Papa Song, the latter holding a broom. She turned her head once more and looked all around a second time; however, there were no traces of Song Shuhang anywhere.
"What? Is Senior Song not home?" Her self-satisfied smile turned into an embarrassed one.
"Senior Song?" Mama Song was confused.
After seeing Mama Song's confused expression, the girl with long legs blinked a few times. "Don't tell me I mailed myself over to the wrong address?"
Then… under Papa Song and Mama Song's dumbfounded gaze, she picked up the cover of the wooden box she came out of.
Afterward, she jumped back into the box and covered it with the lid.
It was really a lot of work. It wasn't easy for a girl with a tall and slender build like her to squat down inside such a box.
Before covering the box, she looked at Mama Song and Papa Song somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Uncle, Auntie, I'm sorry. It seems I mailed myself over to the wrong address. Hehehe, don't worry. I'll make a call and clarify the situation."
Then, they heard her dial a number, calling someone.
Soon, the person on the other side picked the phone.
"Hello… Senior Song?" the girl said somewhat anxious.
"Soft Feather? Did you call me to tell me about the express delivery of the Spirit Green Tea? They already delivered it to my house!" Song Shuhang said with a smile.
"They delivered it to your house?" Soft Feather's expression stiffened. "Weird, I don't see you around!"
"You don't see me around?" Song Shuhang's expression also stiffened.
Song Shuhang rubbed his brows and recalled to mind the last time he received a big express delivery—that delivery was from Su Clan's Sixteen. The contents of that delivery were a box of Spirit Green Tea, a jar of fasting pills, and a free-of-charge and very cute Sixteen...
"Soft Feather, did you send yourself over…?" Song Shuhang cautiously asked.
Soft Feather laughed and said, "Ah… Senior Song, you guessed correctly. Ahahaha…"
"Wait a moment. I'm immediately coming home… since I was outside practicing, my mom and dad received the delivery for me." Song Shuhang made a hollow laugh.
"Eh? Oh! No wonder I couldn't see you." Soft Feather nodded. "Then… should I wait for your return inside the box?"
"...There is no need for that. Before coming home, I'll make a call and explain to my parents what's happening," Song Shuhang said as he put out the flames of the 'fire controlling art' burning in front of him.
Then, he used the ❮Virtuous Man's Ten Thousand Mile Walk❯ and rushed home at full speed.
He felt that Mama Song would misunderstand things after seeing Soft Feather!
❄️❄️❄️
On the other side.
Under Mama Song and Papa Song's careful gaze, Soft Feather pushed the box open once again.
Then, she embarrassingly stood up and waved her hand at Mama Song and Papa Song. "Auntie, Uncle, hello. I'm Senior Song Shuhang's friend, Yu Rouzi[1]!"
When Soft Feather drilled inside the box and made that call, Mama Song had already thought of this possibility.
At the time, she remained silent and didn't speak, because… she was too excited!
Shuhang, that blockhead, had finally opened his eyes. After seeing that he had brought back a man, Mama Song had already lost faith in her son. But never would she have expected that he was a so-called 'man of true talent that didn't like to show off his talent'. Without making a sound, he brought a girl home through the express delivery!
"Child, quickly come out. There is no need to stay inside the box." Mama Song gave Papa Song a meaningful glance, hinting him to put the broom down.
Afterward, she went forward and helped Soft Feather get out of the box.
"Ahaha…" Soft Feather laughed embarrassed. Then, she turned around and picked a small gift box and handed it over. "This is a small gift. I ask Auntie and Uncle to accept it!"
"The fact that you're here is enough already. There is no need for excessive courtesy. You can treat this place as your home, no need to be embarrassed!" Mama Song said with a radiant smile on her face.
At this time, Zhao Yaya, who was resting in the living room, also came over.
She shot a glance at Soft Feather and noticed her long legs.
'This girl with long legs… it should be her, right?' When she went to Song Shuhang's university during the athletic meeting, Song Shuhang's classmates unintentionally revealed that they saw him with a beautiful girl with long legs.
It seems that she is the girl they were talking about...
[1] We decided to use pinyin when cultivators introduce themselves to normal people to make it less awkward~ 
Yu Rouzi = 羽柔子 = Soft Feather


One day, Song Shuhang was suddenly added to a chat group with many seniors that suffered from chuuni disease. The people inside the group would call each other ‘Fellow Daoist’ and had all different kinds of titles: Palace Master, Cave Lord, True Monarch, Immortal Master, etc. Even the pet of the founder of the group that had run away from home was called ‘monster dog’. They would talk all day about pill refining, exploring ancient ruins, or share their experience on techniques.
However, after lurking inside the group for a while, he discovered that not all was what it seemed... 

Bench by Mikaneko. 
 
'You… were sitting on that bench
Alone like the world is against you
I came near
You stayed away
And that's when our friendship started.
 
Be my confidant. Be my enemy. Be my everything.
 
Ooooh, you! 
You have been the best memory that ever happened to me
You gave me the best memory
You gave me…
 
That little bench we shared
That little bench we sitted
That little bench that shed
That little bench who bleed
That little bench that ached… with me as I… slowly fell for you.
 
You taught me how to fall. 
And now I'm about to take the hall. 
The hall that we need to take you away. 
From everything that my way.'
 
Just as I anticipated, mag-isa nga akong nag-celebrate ng Pasko. Tumawag naman si Siggy during the midnight pero literal na mag-isa lang talaga ako. Nandito ako sa malaking glass wall ng penthouse. Nakatingin sa city lights. 
 
Hawak ko ang isang kopita na may lamang champagne na binili ko kanina sa supermarket. Nagluto lang ako ng chicken adobo and bought some hamon and queso de bola para perfect ang handaan ko this Noche Buena. I also bought a little cake from the coffee shop na pinagpa-part time-an ko. 
 
Kasalukuyang tumutugtog sa maliit kong stereo ang ni-recommend na song ni Nesto sa akin from last week: Bench by Mikaneko. I've been playing this song since that night. And it's been days pero heto't pinapakinggan ko pa rin at ginawa ko pang Christmas background ko. 
 
Ewan, nakaka-LSS kasi ang melody. Parang ang saya-saya ng kanta. Minsan ko nga ring ginawan ng dance stepping 'to dahil puwede siyang sayawin. 
 
Saktong naubos ang pangalawang kopita ko ng champagne nang matapos din ang kanta. Tumayo ako at nagsalin ng panibagong iinumin kasabay nang napaka-jolly na intro ng susunod na kanta. 
 
Kaibigan by Mikaneko. 
 
'K-A-I-B-I-G-A-N… Kaibigan. K-A-I-B-I-G-A-N… Kaibigan. K-A-I-B-I-G-A-N… Kaibigan.
 
Kaibigan lang ba talaga ang hangganan nating dalawa
Kaibigan lang ba talaga ang kayang maibigay
Maaari bang ang kaibigan ay gawing ka-ibigan 
Isang dash lang naman ang pagitan 
Ang dash na magde-depina ng ating pagmamahalan.'
 
Ewan ko kung anong punto kung bakit ni-recommend ni Nesto sa akin ang dalawang kantang ito. Siguro para ipangalandakan sa akin na magaling talaga ang banda nila. It's good, ha. It's the best, I think. Puwede siyang ihanay sa mga iconic OPM songs. Paniguradong sikat na rin ito sa mga kabataan ngayon. 
 
Sumandal ako sa malamig na pader ng kusina at dahan-dahang pinaikot-ikot ang kopitang hawak ko habang dinadama ang rakrakang nangyayari sa kantang Kaibigan ng Mikaneko. 
 
But the song got interrupted when someone called. Naka-connect kasi ang stereo sa phone ko kung saan naman naka-play ang Spotify. I opened my eyes and lumapit sa coffee table kung saan ko inilapag ang phone kanina. 
 
Agad kong nakita sa screen ang account ni Nesto sa Instagram na tumatawag sa akin. We already followed each other nga pala sa social media platforms and he also informed me about the details of this upcoming gig this thirty-one. 
 
In-accept ko na rin naman ang call niya. 
 
"Hi, Nesto, Merry Christmas!" agad na bati ko sa kaniya. 
 
"'Yon! Merry Christmas din, Sandi! Tumawag talaga ako para batiin ka ng maligayang pasko."
 
"Thank you, Nest. Hmm, how's your Christmas? Hindi ba busy?"
 
"Medyo. Actually, katatapos lang naming mag-celebrate sa management. Si Mikan, sumibat na, pupuntahan pa raw mga Ate niya. And speaking of, nag-greet na ba siya sa 'yo? Sinabi ko na sa kaniya na nagkita tayo tapos sinabihan ko na rin siya sa mga new accounts mo."
 
I smiled bitterly and slowly rested my whole body sa maliit na couch dito sa penthouse. 
 
"Oo nga pala, bago ko makalimutan… tatanong ko lang 'yong tungkol sa reaction mo sa kanta naming Bench at Kaibigan? Ano? Anong naramdaman mo?"
 
"Ang ganda ng songs. Nakaka-LSS. Alam mo, ang upbeat ng melody ng both songs pero kapag binasa mo 'yong lyrics, ba't ang sakit? Ganito ba talaga 'to?"
 
"Those songs were supposed to be hurtful, Sandi."
 
"Huh? Hurtful? Pero ba't ang upbeat naman yata?"
 
"Hmm. Ewan ko kung anong trip no'ng songwriter no'n."
 
"Bakit? Sino ba? Ikaw ba?"
 
"Mikan."
 
"Ha? Si Mikan ang nagsulat ng kantang iyon?"
 
"Yep, it was for a particular girl sana."
 
"Particular girl? Wow! May pa-particular girl na siya ngayon, ha? Dati gumagawa lang ng kanta 'yan kahit walang inspirasyon, e."
 
Narinig ko ang marahas na buntonghininga ni Nesto from the other line. Ako, natatawa pa rin ako sa naisip na gagawa ng isang kanta si Mikan para sa isang babae. Like, never niyang ginawa 'yon. He hated that shit, bro. 
 
"Sige. Baka nga mali 'yong naisip ko na hindi talaga para sa isang babae 'tong Bench at Kaibigan. Sige, Sandi. 'Wag mong kalilimutan sa thirty-one ha?"
 
"Okay."
 
Nesto ended the call kaya nag-resume ulit ang song.
 
So, assume lang niya na para sa isang particular girl ang isinulat na kanta ni Mikan? Bakit kaya hindi niya na lang tinanong ito, total close naman silang dalawa. Parang eng-eng din 'tong si Ernestor Macalintal, e. Minsan, ang hirap spelling-in. 
 
Matapos ang tawag ni Nesto, ilang segundo rin ay pumalit naman si Siggy. Agad kong in-accept ang tawag niya't napangiti na lang sa kawalan habang hawak pa rin ang kopitang nangalahati na ang laman. 
 
"Hey, pangga…" unang bati ko sa kaniya. 
 
"Did it came?"
 
"The what?"
 
Biglang may nag-doorbell kaya nawala ang atensiyon ko kay Siggy dahil agad akong napatingin sa direksiyon ng pinto. 
 
"Pangga, wait, baka may tao sa la-"
 
"'Wag… 'wag mong ibababa, ga."
 
Holy mother of monkey! Napasapo ako sa bibig ko para pigilan ang sarili kong ngumiti nang malawak nang marinig ang huling sinabi niya. Minsan niya lang akong tawagin sa endearment ko sa kaniya at sa tuwing sinasabi niya 'yon, legit na kinikilig talaga ako. 
 
"Okay, okay, teka lang, chi-check ko lang 'yong labas."
 
While containing my smile from him calling me 'ga,' naglakad ako papunta sa main door ng penthouse habang nasa tenga ko pa rin ang phone. 
 
Una kong sinilip ang eye hole para makita kung sino ang nasa labas. I saw a delivery guy na may dala-dalang kung anu-ano. Agad kong pinagbuksan ito kasi parang nahihirapan si manong delivery guy, e. 
 
"Yes po, manong?" nakangiting bati ko nang buksan ko ang pinto. 
 
Akala ko isa siyang delivery guy pero hindi pala. He's not wearing a uniform of some delivery company na available dito sa Manila. He's wearing a casual type of clothes at, yeah, hindi nga siya delivery guy. 
 
"Maligayang Pasko po, Ma'am. Ikaw po ba si Ms. Sandi Hinolan, Ma'am?"
 
Malawak akong ngumiti habang tumatango sa naging tanong ni manong. Mas lalo akong napangiti nang mapansing may dala siyang mga bulaklak at kung anu-anong regalong nagpabilis talaga ng tibok ng aking puso. 
 
"Delivery po, Ma'am, para sa 'yo." 
 
Una niyang inabot sa akin ang isang kumpol ng red roses.
 
"Pati po ba 'yan, Kuya, akin?" patungkol ko sa isang malaking box na nasa sahig. Aside kasi sa hawak niyang bouquet of flowers, cake, at isang paper bag ng isang well-known brand of shoes, ay mayroon ding malaking box na nakalagay sa floor ng hallway. 
 
"Opo, Ma'am, sa 'yo po lahat 'to."
 
"Pakipasok na lang po, Kuya." Binuksan ko nang malawak ang pinto ng penthouse at iginiya kay Kuya na ilagay niya lang sa may dining table since 'yon lang ang malapit na lamesa from the main door. "Wala po ba akong babayaran d'yan, Kuya?" seryosong tanong ko kay manong delivery guy. 
 
Una kong narinig ang tawa ni Siggy from the other line. Sunod naman ang mahinang tawa ni manong delivery guy. Napa-purse tuloy ako ng bibig ko't na-realize na nakakaloka nga pala ang tanong ko. Naninigurado lang ako, 'no. Baka pala hindi akin 'to tapos may babayaran pa pala. Edi, minus na 'yon sa pera ko. Mukhang mahal pa naman 'tong nasa paper bag na dala ni manong. 
 
"Naku, Ma'am, hindi po. Bigay po lahat ni Sir Siggy 'to, Ma'am. Ako nga po pala si Samuel, Ma'am, assistant niya po."
 
Kusa kong inabot ang kamay ko sa kaniya nang magpakilala siya. Nakita ko sa mga mata niya na nag-aalinlangan siyang tanggapin ito pero in the end, tinanggap na rin naman niya. Isang panandaliang kamayan lang naman kasi kusa rin siyang kumalas. 
 
"Thanks for this, Samuel, ha? And Merry Christmas na rin. Mukhang inabala ka pa ni Siggy para i-deliver ang mga ito."
 
"Hindi ko siya inabala. It's his job to do that," sabi naman ni Siggy from the other line pero hindi ko pa rin pinapansin. 
 
"Wala po, Ma'am. Trabaho ko po ito bilang assistant ng Lizares brothers, Ma'am."
 
"Sandi na lang, Samuel. 'Wag na 'yong Ma'am."
 
"Paalisin mo na 'yang si Samuel," sabi na naman ni Siggy. 
 
"Sige po, Ms. Sandi. Aalis na po ako. Maligayang Pasko po ulit."
 
Dali-daling lumabas ng penthouse si Samuel at dire-diretsong naglakad paalis. Siya na rin mismo ang nag-close ng main door ng penthouse kaya hindi na ako pormal na nakapagpaalam sa kaniya. 
 
"Can we Facetime?"
 
Humigpit ang hawak ko sa palumpon ng bulaklak na yakap-yakap ko nang marinig na naman ang boses ni Siggy. 
 
"Y-Yeah, sure."
 
Kinalikot ko ang phone para makapag-Facetime kaming dalawa. Nang makita ko ang kaniyang mukha, na bahagya pang ginugulo ang magulo niyang buhok which is the cutest thing I always see whenever we Facetime each other, ay lumawak ang ngiti ko't gusto ko nang umiyak.
 
"Hey! Thank you for this, pangga. Hindi mo na dapat ginawa 'to," I said pouting. "Wala akong gift sa 'yo," dagdag na sabi ko pa. 
 
Nag-settle down siya't umupo sa isang bangko. Mukhang nasa labas siya kasi madilim ang nasa paligid niya pero nakikita ko pa naman ang mukha niya. Sadyang madilim at mukhang tahimik na ang nasa paligid niya. Nasa Brisbane, Australia kasi sila ngayon ng family niya to celebrate their Christmas there. Magmula no'ng pumunta siya ng Negros last week, hindi na siya umuwi rito sa Manila. Dire-diretso na ang naging bakasyon niya kasama ang kaniyang pamilya and by the looks of it, mukhang naging okay na rin ang relationship nila. Mabuti pa sila. 
 
Tapos na silang mag-celebrate ng Noche Buena since advance ng two hours ang time zone nila. Dito kasi sa Pilipinas, quarter to one AM pa lang. 
 
"I can't be with you kaya dapat lang na bigyan kita ng gift. Kung puwede lang talagang i-ditch ang family gathering na ito, hindi na dapat akong sumama, e."
 
"Hey, sshh, family mo 'yan and it's Christmas season. Dapat lang na sila ang kasama mo sa mga panahong ganito."
 
"Look who's talking."
 
I sighed and faintly smiled to him. 
 
"Iba naman kasi ang situwasiyon ko sa situwasiyon mo. Ako mismo ang lumayas kaya mahirap bumalik."
 
Hindi siya sumagot sa sinabi ko. Tinitigan niya lang ako sa camera. Akala ko nga no'ng una mahina na naman ang signal ng wifi rito sa penthouse pero talagang hindi lang pala siya gumalaw. 
 
"Maybe my gift for you will change your mind? Open it. I wanna see your reaction."
 
"Fine," natatawang sabi ko. Unti-unting naramdaman ang light atmosphere. 
 
Isinandal ko muna ang phone ko sa isang vase para makita pa rin niya kung anong gagawin ko habang kinukuha ko ang box at ang paper bag na ibinigay ni Samuel kanina. Isinantabi ko muna saglit ang bulaklak. Mabango nga pala sila. Ang ganda. 
 
Una kong binuksan ang paper bag ng isang sikat at branded shoes. Maingat ang bawat galaw ko habang binubuksan ko 'yon. 'Pag kasi branded, nagiging maingat ang galaw ko, e.
 
Pag bukas ko, tumumbad sa akin ang isang running shoes. The color is so cute. I think it suits me well. Sa sobrang excitement ko, agad ko itong naipasok sa paa ko para sukatin. 
 
And it fits very well!
 
"I like it, pangga! Saktong-sakto sa akin!" I exclaimed while fitting the shoes. 
 
Tumalon-talon pa ako para i-testing kung gaano kagaan ang sapatos and sa sobrang gaan parang hindi ko maramdamang may sapatos akong suot. And it seems like it's one of those new models of this branded shoes. Not even familiar with it pero sa tingin ko lang naman. 
 
"Of course. I make sure it fits for you."
 
"Grabe, pangga, thank you talaga."
 
"Anything for you. At saka, it's your stepping stone towards your future fitness journey, ga."
 
Ayan na naman 'yang 'ga' n'ya! Feeling ko tuloy Valentine's Day ngayon at hindi Christmas day. 
 
Mas lalong lumawak ang ngiti ko't sa sobrang tuwa ko, nakuha ko ang phone ko't hinalikan siya through screen. 
 
"Thank you talaga, pangga! Sa sobrang tuwa ko, gusto kitang kunin d'yan sa screen at yakapin ng mahigpit at paulanan ng maraming halik. You're so supportive talaga, pangga, naiiyak tuloy ako."
 
"I miss you more, Sandreanna. Don't worry, ilang days na lang naman at babalikan na kita."
 
Nangilid ang luha ko habang nakatingin sa kaniyang maamong mukha sa screen ng phone ko. Ang hirap pala ng LDR. Hindi ko kakayanin kapag tumagal pa 'to. 
 
"Miss na miss na kita, pangga. Please, uwi ka na," seryoso talagang sabi ko, hindi na napigilan ang pumatak na isang luha sa kaliwang mata ko. 
 
"Please don't cry in front of me, Sandreanna. Hindi ko kakayanin. Miss na rin naman kita. God knows how much."
 
"I love you, Freud."
 
"I love you more, Sandreanna."
 
Ako na mismo ang nag-decide na tapusin na ang video call namin. Mas hindi ko kakayanin kung mas matatagalan pa ang pag-uusap namin. Mas lalo ko lang siyang mami-miss.
 
After that call, ang inatupag ko naman ngayon ay ang isa pang box na dala ni Samuel kanina. 
 
My Christmas night is silent. I can only hear the faint sound of the aircon. Pinagpatuloy ko ang pagbubukas ng regalong iyon na maingat pa naman ang pagkakabalot. 
 
Nakalimutan kong itanong kay Siggy kanina kung kaniya rin ba ito. Pinilit ko kasi siyang i-end na ang call dahil nahihiya na ako sa pag-iyak na ginawa ko kanina dahil lang miss ko siya. Panigurado namang kaniya pa rin 'to, siya nagbigay nito, e. 
 
May kalakihan ang box kaya siguro nahirapan si Samuel kanina sa pagdadala. Naka-gift wrap ito. Ayoko mang sirain, pero wala akong nagawa kundi ang sirain talaga 'yon. Paano ko ba mabubuksan kung hindi, 'di ba?
 
Isang karton na kulay puti ang tumumbad sa akin. Sinira ko ulit ang box nang walang kapawis-pawis. 
 
Holy mother of monkey!
 
Dahan-dahan akong napaupo sa sahig nang makita kung anong laman ng box na ito. And tears, like falls, become unlimited. 
 
Tuloy-tuloy akong naiyak habang nakatingin sa walang kabuhay-buhay na teddy bear sa harapan ko. At mas lalong nadurog ang puso ko nang mabasa ang sulat na kasama nito. 
 
'Hi, Ate Sandi!
 
Merry Christmas. I love you and I miss you so much! Where na you? Please uwi ka na. Miss ko na Ate ko. Miss ka na ni Hoover. At kahit hindi sabihin ni Hannah, alam kong miss ka na rin niya. Kung ano man 'yong napag-awayan n'yo ni Mommy at Daddy, please sana mapag-usapan n'yo. Ate, legit, miss na talaga kita.
 
Sabi ni Siggy, alam niya raw kung nasaan ka kaya bigyan daw kita ng gift at siya na raw ang magbibigay. Ayokong maniwala, baka scam. Paano niya malalaman, e, hindi naman kayo close no'n. Pero I just really miss you, Ate, kaya kumagat ako sa offer niya. Wala akong maibigay na gift kasi biglaan lang 'yong pagkikita namin. Si Yara na lang 'yong binigay ko. Alam kong miss mo na rin siya, e. Kasi miss na miss ka na rin niya.
 
Please, Ate, contact me kung makarating ang sulat na ito sa 'yo. My line is always open. Merry Christmas. Sana umuwi ka sa bagong taon.
 
Alam kong corny pero… nagmamahal,
Daling.'
 
~

Sandi Hinolan is loved and adored by all. Will the man of her life be able to love and adore her?

The sun rays piercing through the window, Shan is spotted sleeping on her bed. She sits up and blink her eyes for a couple of minutes. She panics as she heard her phone ringing. She immediately stood up from her bed and grab her phone. Rubbing her tired eyes, she answered the call, "Hey, aunt" 

"Why it took some time for you to answer my call? Anyway, I've already sent you my gift and—" The door bell ring. "I guess your gift already arrive. Happy birthday"

 Shan smiled and replied, "Thanks, aunt" and she drops the call. 

She swiftly tried to straight hair as she went to the door, her hair is messy every time I woke up and it looks like a lion's mane. She doesn't like to face such someone even a delivery guy when she looks like a lion early in the morning, but she doesn't have time to wash up and comb her hair. She opened the door, a guy handed her with a box. He beamed Shan with a smile that made Shan entranced.

 "He is so handsome, what a nice breakfast to have in the morning" Shan said to herself. 

Her thoughts, fantasizing on the delivery guy, were interrupted when he called her. 

"Uh…yes?" He handed Shan a pen to sign what her aunt gave her. She took the pen from his hand and shot him an apologetic smile and sign it. 

"Thank you" he said and he went off. Shan looked at him as he went his way, and she slapped herself to hit reality and look at the box that her aunt gave her as a birthday gift. She swiftly took the box and put it on her table. She knew that it's a book that she is so excited to read it. As she opened it, her eyes widened to what her aunt gave her. 

She quickly ran to her room and grab her phone, "Hey, aunt?" 


"Do you like it?" Her aunt asked, knowing that her niece already received the gift that she sent. A tint of red is visible on Shan cheeks and replied, ""Very much, my aunt. Thank you very much, aunt. I love you" 

"You're welcome, enjoy reading that. I'll go back in writing." And she ended the call. 

Shan stared at the book and graze her fingers on the book cover and the white calligraphy reads as "Sweet Wonderland" 

"Collection of sweetness and different types of love. A collection of love story that revolves around—with cute boys. Wonder yourself as you read" is what she read on the synopsis. Little description but intriguing. She put the book aside and shower herself first to start the day. 

It was Saturday, and she was glad that she's done answering her assignments so that she have time to chill and wonder herself, reading books. Shan grabbed the book and starts to flip a page, I smiled as a dedication was written: 

"To my niece, enjoy reading and wonder yourself" 

The book has a lot of arcs. As she skim through the table contents, she was amazed how her aunt wrote it. Reading the title of each arc, she can tell that some were bizarre yet amazing story to be read on by her. 
As she open the next page, she started to read the passages. 

"Poor Daphne being rejected on." Shan said as she continues reading. She teared up as the main character was rejected by her crush. "I want to hug Daphne so much, she deserves love. Why do you have to do it, James Clayton?" and grab a tissue as she wiped her tears. Shan was so immersed on the book that she didn't notice it was already night. 

She was on her veranda, reading the book with tissue paper on the side of her table. She closed the book and cry for a moment. She felt the main character too much, her and Daphne were the same that were being rejected by their crushes. She stood up and look at the street. The vague sound of the cars beeping on the street, the subtle winds gust against her skin. She grabbed her book and tissue paper. She went inside to and make a cup of coffee and sat on her couch, continues reading the book again. She read after read as she sips her coffee. 

"And that's why Daphne decided not to..." Shan reads as she battles her eyes not to sleep. 

And Shan dozed off.

Imagining yourself as one of the heroine in romance books you’ve read is what Shan Lee—a hopeless romantic girl could relate to. Having a boyfriend seemed to be impossible after the rejections she received from her own list of crushes. Upon reading on a romance book that her aunt sent as a gift, she found herself in unusual setting. She encountered different type of men and different type of sweet occurrences, it felt real as if she isn’t dreaming—to her at least. Was it all a dream or would it lead her to find love? 

the photo used in the cover is not mine
credits to the owner/artist

gift box delivery novel

The Gift Of My Love

..... ***

I reincarnated with a delivery system(Finishing my other fanfic)

A Valiant Life

MMORPG: The Tales of Souls

Hidden Marriage 99 Days: Please Restrain Yourself

Lifetime of Bliss And Contentment With You

Cultivation Chat Group

Haplos ng Hangin (Tagalog)

Accidentally trapped in Sweet Wonderland (HIATUS)

People search gift box delivery also like: