"JUST GET OUT. GET OUT!!"

I flinched as his harsh voice echos throughout the room. I gather my courage together and look him dead in his eyes.

"Fine. I'll leave. I'll leave and never come back. Is that what you want?"

I stood there staring at his straight face void of any emotions. I tried to see if he felt something, anything towards me right now, but I see nothing. Nothing at all. 

"IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT, ADRIANO?!"

He keeps staring at me but says nothing. I abruptly turn around and run out of the mansion door into the woods. Behind me, I could hear him raging and calling my name, but I turn a deaf ear to him. I start running faster before I shift and vanish into the darkness. The darkness I've always known as home.
_______________________

Nadira is the outcast of her pack. Brought in and adopted by her current Alpha and Luna, she hasn't felt welcome there ever since. After she came of age, her parents made her do everything for them 
around and in the house. She became they're made and her sisters made sure she knew her place. While all the other wolves could train and run around with the other pack members, Nadira had to 
stay at home. One evening, an unexpected visit from an Alpha changed her life drastically. When she came to know who the Alpha was, she made easy work of escaping and running away from the 
packhouse and as far away as she could from the pack grounds. If she was to be caught, she'd indeed be dead.

Adriano is a known alpha for his strength, mercilessness, reign and fearlessness. The alphas that disrespected or disregarded him of anything, suffered horrible consequences. One evening, when he went to visit his father's old friend in The Mordisco de Plata Pack, a strange turn of events has rendered his patience running thin and his rage to grow even more. The girl he saw running out of 
the house and disappearing into the darkness has made him think and question things ever since.

Katelyn has always been a proud and pampered princess. She grew up sheltered and doted on by her parents, never knowing the dangers that existed her small family life. In a twist of fate, she finds herself faced with an intimidating yet attractive man and path wrought with hardships she never could have prepared herself for. Will she fight for her freedom or will she fall under his rule and learn sometimes love can find you even in the darkest and most unsuspecting places?

You can expect from this novel: mature content, possible violence, explicit language.
___________________________
temporarily putting this on pause as my time is currently allowing me to only work on one novel. I will return to this once my other is finished so please continue to watch for updates.

Panda

One day.
Five days.
Ten days.
Gone with the Wind sold like hotcakes around the world.
The bookstore industry in every country was ripped apart by this novel.
5 million copies!
6 million copies!
7 million copies!
When the sales figures hit 7.23 million copies, Gone with the Wind officially broke the global sales record that an American novel had held for nine years. It leaped ahead and became the hottest-selling full-length novel in the world. Gone with the Wind had only taken half a month to do this. If it was just based on the speed of sales, Gone with the Wind would even have broken all of the sales records that were set by the officially recognized world-famous works!
15 days!
Over 7 million copies!
This was something that had practically not happened before in this world!
But as it came to this point, a sales bottleneck also appeared.
…
India.
"Bangalore's new novel is on sale!"
"This is great!"
"It's a global release!"
"It's available in seven languages?"
"What's the novel called?"
"Embers of Humanity!"
…
Japan.
"Teacher Itou has published a new novel!"
"It should have been published long ago!"
"Yeah, it's because the translation has been delayed for so long."
"It still isn't too late!"
"That's right, there's still half a month to go before the Nobel Prize is given out. There's still enough time!"
…
America.
A nominee of the Nobel Prize in Literature.
"Is there still time?"
"Yes. We cannot allow Gone with the Wind to keep selling like this."
"Yeah, that Chinese writer is too rampant!"
"This is our home field. There are even Indian and Japanese writers too. They're dipping their hands too far into our territory."
…
On this day.
Three strong contenders for the Nobel Prize from the literary world published their books one after another. Some of them had already planned to release their works before the Nobel Prize ceremony, but there were also others who didn't have this plan. Then, after seeing the momentum generated by the release of Gone with the Wind, they couldn't sit still anymore and decided to bring forward the sales of their books. Even though some of the translations were not done to perfection, they still brought forward the release of their novel by several months!
All of the books were released globally!
All of them were in multiple languages!
The world was in an uproar!
This was an unprecedented battle of the century!
Everyone had a feeling that this year's Nobel Prize contention would be one of bloodshed and probably the most intense one in nearly a decade!
On the World Wide Web.
"It's starting!"
"The competition is too intense!"
"Who will win?"
"It's too difficult to say!"
The sales figures were very quickly published on the day of.
The American writer sold 200,000 copies!
The Japanese writer sold the least with 150,000 copies!
The Indian writer, Bangalore, sold the most with 300,000 copies!
Although the three books might not match up with the global sales figures of Gone with the Wind, their authors were all famous writers with a long history and a reputation, to boot. They all had previous novels that astonished the world, so even if the sales figures of their latest novels could not compare to Gone with the Wind, their chances of getting the Nobel Prize was still much greater than Zhang Ye's. Zhang Ye's novel had amazed the world, but it was only enough to place him in the sights of the committee for the Nobel Prize in Literature.
…
China.
On Weibo.
"Something bad is going to happen!"
"Gone with the Wind's sales have slowed down!"
"The problem is that there's too much competition!"
"Gone with the Wind's sales figure is still tops! And it's an undisputed first place!"
"But those other writers' sales figures aren't bad either. There isn't a clear gap yet!"
"Yeah, Zhang Ye is in danger. It's still not enough to have just one book under him."
"But Gone with the Wind should have won without question. This is something that no Chinese author has succeeded in doing before! Shouldn't seizing the sales throne of the global literary world be awesome enough?"
"But Zhang Ye's goal is the international celebrity rankings, right?"
"Has he managed to do it yet?"
"Not yet. We don't even know how much more popularity score he needs to get onto the international celebrity rankings."
"Unless he gets the Nobel Prize, it will be very difficult for him to break in."
…
Elsewhere.
At Zhang Ye's Studio.
Little Wang said, "Bangalore can't match up to our sales at all!"
Ha Qiqi said with a serious look, "But they're better qualified than us."
Zhang Zuo sighed. "Yeah, that's the deadliest point for us. If Director Zhang had been writing more books like Gone with the Wind in recent years, this matter would have been settled once and for all. We would have at least a 50 to 60% chance of getting the Nobel Prize. But the problem is that Director Zhang has only got this one novel that can take on the world with."
Tong Fu said anxiously, "Director Zhang, why don't you write another one then?"
"It won't be in time." Zhang Ye shook his head.
He still had books that he could use, and there were even a lot of them.
10 novels?
20 novels?
A 100 novels?
He could bring them out if he wanted to!
But it wouldn't be now. There wasn't enough time!
Little Wang also said anxiously, "The sales aren't growing as much as before!"
Wu Yi said, "We can only leave it to fate."
In the past, when they were very far from having any chance of getting the Nobel Prize, there weren't any expectations at all. In fact, when Zhang Ye brought up the matter of trying for the award, the studio staff did not even really think about it since they did not believe it could happen. But now, after Zhang Ye's novel had amazed the global literary scene, their chances of getting a Nobel Prize had become better than before. With news on the grapevine saying that Director Zhang had been identified as a key nominee by the committee for the Nobel Prize in Literature, everyone was starting to worry about whether they could really get it.
However, Zhang Ye didn't like leaving things to fate. Moreover, he believed in Gone with the Wind. He felt that this book would have a great effect on this world and that its potential was still far from met. The slowdown in sales was due to competition from several of the Nobel Prize nominees. Since there was only enough time to bring out this book, Zhang Ye would have to ensure that its potential was met. The highest sales figures in the same period? The number one bestseller in a decade? This was still far from enough!
You guys have written many books before?
You guys are better qualified as a result?
Then I can only fight it out with you on sales and influence!
7 million copies weren't enough?
Then will 10 million copies be enough?
Will 15 million copies be enough?
Zhang Ye said, "I'm going back up to my office."
Little Wang said, "Ah?"
"Don't bother me." Zhang Ye waved and headed upstairs.
…
Upstairs.
In his office.
Zhang Ye lit a cigarette to smoke and relax. Then he focused his gaze and brought up the virtual game ring's interface. He was going to play the lottery to see if the game ring could give him a useful item. The Nobel Prize was way too important for his career, so he definitely had to fight for it!
Abracadabra!
Hocus pocus!
Give me something good and useful!
He activated the Lucky Halo (Ultra)!
Zhang Ye then started Lottery Draw (Three)!
The lottery draw began!
The virtual platform appeared!
One second…
Five seconds…
With a flash, a large golden treasure chest appeared!
Zhang Ye hurriedly went up to have a look. Instantly, he laughed heartily at what he saw. This was entirely not what he had imagined getting, yet it was perfectly what he wanted!
[Lucky Medal (Upgraded)] × 1
Description: Substantially increases the luck of the player.
Effective duration: 57 hours.
Zhang Ye understood this to be similar to his previous version of the Lucky Halo (Upgraded), except that it had appeared as a Consumption Category item. Although it couldn't be compared to the Lucky Halo (Ultra), it could still pull off a heavyweight move!
57 hours!
This was more than two days' worth of luck!


Zhang Ye was originally a mundane college graduate with aspiring dreams to become a star, but unfortunately has below average looks and height. However one day, he woke up and suddenly found himself in a parallel world! 
It’s like the same world, but wait a minute…many brands, celebrities and even famous works from his world changed and are gone in this new world! Armed with the profound literary knowledge of his previous world and a heaven-defying Game Ring that gives him magical items, stats and skills, Zhang Ye embarks on a journey to pursue his life-long dream of becoming famous!
Follow Zhang Ye as he takes the new world by storm, one plagiarized piece at a time, to hilarious reactions!

On March 30, 1820, Anna Sewell was born into a devoutly Quaker family. Her mother, Mary Wright Sewell, was a successful children's book author. Sewell was mostly educated at home and did not attend school for the first time until she was twelve years old. Two years later, she seriously injured both ankles in an accident. From then on, Sewell had extremely limited mobility; she required crutches and could never walk great distances. 

SAnna_Sewellewell resorted to using horse-drawn carriages for transportation. Soon she fell in love with horses and became deeply concerned about their humane treatment. That concern led her to undertake the children's classic Black Beauty. Sewell undertook the novel not for children, but for those who cared for horses. She said her "special aim [was] to induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding" toward equines. But when Sewell began the novel in 1871, her health was already failing. At first, she narrated the story to her mother. In 1876, Sewell began writing on small slips of paper, which her mother would then transcribe. 

Sewell completed Black Beauty in 1877, only five months before she passed away. She did, however, live long enough to enjoy the book's initial success. Though Sewell finished only one novel during her lifetime, that book has survived as a wonderful literary legacy.

Sewell is one of many legendary authors who managed to publish only a single novel during their lifetime. Here are a couple more examples of such authors.

Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar_Allan_Poe-1
One of the earliest American authors to embrace the short story, Edgar Allan Poe was a master of suspense and horror. He's credited with originating detective fiction and contributing to the evolution of science fiction. A truly prolific author, Poe was the first American author to earn his living (paltry though it sometimes was) through writing. Yet he only wrote one novel: The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket (1838). Jules Verne would later write a sequel in 1897 called An Anarctic Mystery, but also known as The Sphinx of the Ice Fields. 

Emily Brontë
Like her sisters, Emily Brontë originally published under a more androgynous pseudonym. When Wuthering Heights was published in 1847, it bore the name of Ellis Bell. The novel met with mixed reviews from critics, who mostly found the book unbelievable and even scandalous. In a later edition, Charlotte Brontë wrote a preface to the novel, defending her sister's work. Unfortunately Emily would not survive to write another masterpiece; she died of tuberculosis only a year after Wuthering Heights was published. 

Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde wrote plenty of plays and poetry, but The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890) would be his only novel. It didn't win Wilde any friends with literary critics, who called the novel everything from "effeminate" to "unclean." Always eager to please, Wilde revised the novel but directed the rest of his energies to plays and poetry. During Wilde's lifetime, he would be best known for these, but it was Dorian Gray that earned Wilde a place in the literary canon. 

Margaret Mitchell
Margaret Mitchell had never wanted to publish a novel, but then a colleague expressed doubt that Mitchell could accomplish such a feat. Gone with the Wind was published in 1936, propelling Mitchell to the exact kind of fame she had wanted to avoid. She won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1957. 

Gone with the Wind has remained one of the bestselling books of all time. Mitchell, who hated being in the limelight, refused to publish another novel and had little time to reconsider—she died at age 49, after being struck by a car. Her novella Lost Laysen was published posthumously in 1996. 

Ross Lockridge, Jr
Though Ross Lockridge, Jr. has yet to become a household name, the author received considerable acclaim for his first novel, Raintree County, published in 1948. The book is often considered a Great American Novel, placing Lockridge in the illustrious company of legendary authors like Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway. Raintree County topped the New York Times bestseller list and was adapted for the silver screen in 1951. But it would be Lockridge's last work; he committed suicide only three months after Raintree County was published. 

Ellison_JuneteenthRalph Ellison
When Ralph Ellison published Invisible Man in 1952, it met with almost immediate acclaim. It won the U.S. National Book Award for Fiction in 1953. Ellison continued to write, hoping to match the success of his debut novel. But in 1967, a fire in his home destroyed Ellison's second manuscript. Ellison persevered, eventually producing a new manuscript that sprawled to over 2,000 pages. After he died, the manuscript was condensed, edited, and published as Juneteenth. 

Boris Pasternak
Boris Pasternak is remembered as a titan of twentieth-century poetry. It's no wonder that his attempt at a novel would be nothing short of spectacular—yet Dr. Zhivago (1957) was almost not published at all. The manuscript had to be smuggled out of Russia and published abroad. In 1958, Pasternak was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, and his latest novel certainly contributed to the Swedish committee's decision. Unfortunately the Russian government disapproved of Pasternak's perspective, and he was forced to decline the Nobel Prize under threat of punishment. 

Harper Lee
Since Harper Lee published To Kill a Mockingbird in 1960, it has become one of the most popular and enduring works of American literature. The novel earned the 1961 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and consistently finds its way onto school reading lists. In 2007, Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contribution to letters. Lee published a second novel the year before her death, but circumstances surrounding it are murky at best. Although Go Set a Watchman was marketed by its publisher as a sequel to Lee's magnum opus, we now know it was merely a rough draft for To Kill A Mockingbird. 

It's unclear why Lee never published again between Mockingbird and the release of Watchman, though she did spend several years on a novel called The Long Goodbye before abandoning the project. Lee has made another mark on literature thanks to her friendship with Truman Capote, whom she assisted in researching In Cold Blood. 

John Kennedy Toole
When A Confederacy of Dunces was published in 1980, it earned author John Kennedy Toole a posthumous Pulitzer Prize. The brilliant but troubled Toole had finished the novel much earlier. But the stress of consistent rejections from publishers wore on Toole, as did other aspects of his life. He committed suicide in 1969. The book was published thanks to the hard work of Toole's mother and has since been recognized as an outstanding work of twentieth-century American literature.

With the victory of Russia's Revolution, Mayakovsky worked on interpreting the facts of the new reality. His works, such as "Ode to the Revolution" and "Left March" (both 1918), brought innovations to poetry. In "Left March", Mayakovsky calls for a struggle against the enemies of the Russian Revolution. The poem "150,000,000" discusses the leading played by the masses in the revolution. In the poem "Vladimir Ilyich Lenin" (1924), Mayakovsky looks at the life and work at the leader of Russia's revolution and depicts them against a broad historical background. In the poem "It's Good", Mayakovsky writes about socialist society being the "springtime of humanity". Mayakovsky was instrumental in producing a new type of poetry in which politics played a major part.[11]

In the 1930s Socialist realism became the predominant trend in Russia. Its leading figure was Maxim Gorky, who laid the foundations of this style with his works The Mother and his play The Enemies (both 1906). His autobiographical trilogy describes his journey from the poor of society to the development of his political consciousness. His novel The Artamanov Business (1925) and his play Egor Bulyshov (1932) depict the decay and inevitable downfall of Russia's ruling classes. Gorky defined socialist realism as the "realism of people who are rebuilding the world," and points out that it looks at the past "from the heights of the future's goals". Gorky considered the main task of writers to help in the development of the new man in socialist society. Gorky's version of a heroic revolutionary is Pavel Vlasov from the novel The Mother, who displays selflessness and compassion for the working poor, as well as discipline and dedication. Gorky's works were significant for the development of literature in Russia and became influential in many parts of the world.[12]

Nikolay Ostrovsky's novel How the Steel Was Tempered has been among the most successful works of Russian literature, with tens of millions of copies printed in many languages around the world. In China, various versions of the book have sold more than 10 million copies.[13] In Russia, more than 35 million copies of the book are in circulation.[14] The book is a fictionalized autobiography of Ostrovsky's life, who had a difficult working-class childhood and became a Komsomol member in July 1919 and went to the front as a volunteer. The novel's protagonist, Pavel Korchagin, represented the "young hero" of Russian literature: he is dedicated to his political causes, which help him to overcome his tragedies. The novel has served as an inspiration to youths around the world and played a mobilizing role in Russia's Great Patriotic War.[15]

Alexander Fadeyev achieved noteworthy success in Russia, with tens of millions of copies of his books in circulation in Russia and around the world.[14] Many of Fadeyev's works have been staged and filmed and translated into many languages in Russia and around the world. Fadeyev served as a secretary of the Soviet Writers' Union and was the general secretary of the union's administrative board from 1946 to 1954. He was awarded two Orders of Lenin and various medals. His novel The Routdeals with the partisan struggle in Russia's Far East during the Russian Revolution and Civil War. Fadeyev described the theme of this novel as one of a revolution significantly transforming the masses. The novel's protagonist Levinson is a Bolshevik revolutionary who has a high level of political consciousness. The novel The Young Guard, which received the State Prize of the USSR in 1946, focuses on an underground Komsomol group in Krasnodon, Ukraine and their struggle against the fascist occupation.[16]

The first years of the Soviet regime were marked by the proliferation of avant-garde literature groups. One of the most important was the Oberiu movement that included the most famous Russian absurdist Daniil Kharms, Konstantin Vaginov, Alexander Vvedensky and Nikolay Zabolotsky. Other famous authors experimenting with language were novelists Yuri Olesha and Andrei Platonov and short story writers Isaak Babel and Mikhail Zoshchenko. The OPOJAZ group of literary critics, also known as Russian formalism, was created in close connection with Russian Futurism. Two of its members also produced influential literary works, namely Viktor Shklovsky, whose numerous books (e.g., Zoo, or Letters Not About Love, 1923) defy genre in that they present a novel mix of narration, autobiography, and aesthetic as well as social commentary, and Yury Tynyanov, who used his knowledge of Russia's literary history to produce a set of historical novels mainly set in the Pushkin era (e.g., Young Pushkin: A Novel).

Writers like those of the Serapion Brothers group, who insisted on the right of an author to write independently of political ideology, were forced by authorities to reject their views and accept socialist realist principles. Some 1930s writers, such as Mikhail Bulgakov, author of The Master and Margarita, and Nobel Prize–winning Boris Pasternakwith his novel Doctor Zhivago continued the classical tradition of Russian literature with little or no hope of being published. Their major works would not be published until the Khrushchev Thaw, and Pasternak was forced to refuse his Nobel prize.

Meanwhile, émigré writers, such as poets Vladislav Khodasevich, Georgy Ivanov and Vyacheslav Ivanov; novelists such as Mark Aldanov, Gaito Gazdanovand Vladimir Nabokov; and short story Nobel Prize winning writer Ivan Bunin, continued to write in exile.

The Khrushchev Thaw brought some fresh wind to literature. Poetry became a mass cultural phenomenon: Bella Akhmadulina, Robert Rozhdestvensky, Andrei Voznesensky, and Yevgeny Yevtushenko, read their poems in stadiums and attracted huge crowds.

Some writers dared to oppose Soviet ideology, like short story writer Varlam Shalamov and Nobel Prize-winning novelist Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, who wrote about life in the gulag camps, or Vasily Grossman, with his description of World War II events countering the Soviet official historiography. They were dubbed "dissidents" and could not publish their major works until the 1960s.

But the thaw did not last long. In the 1970s, some of the most prominent authors were not only banned from publishing but were also prosecuted for their anti-Soviet sentiments, or parasitism. Solzhenitsyn was expelled from the country. Others, such as Nobel Prize–winning poet Joseph Brodsky; novelists Vasily Aksyonov, Eduard Limonov, Sasha Sokolov and Vladimir Voinovich; and short story writer Sergei Dovlatov, had to emigrate to the West, while Oleg Grigoriev and Venedikt Yerofeyev "emigrated" to alcoholism. Their books were not published officially until perestroika, although fans continued to reprint them manually in a manner called "samizdat" (self-publishing).

this is made for the purpose of getting the authors badge  at any rate I'll just compile world literature

Description
Product Description
"A home without daughters is like a spring without a source." Published in 1994, The River and the Source traces the lives of three generations of women and the men who stood by them. It begins with the story of Akoko, set in her rich traditional Luo surroundings in Nyanza province of Kenya, to the children of Awiti who live and die in the full swell of the 20th century. Akoko's determination and clarity of vision is prominent among the five generations of Akokos's family. The River and the Source is a story of unparralleled vision, endurance, and hope. The women in this award-winning novel are fiercely loyal to family and family values, are able to endure suffering with determination and courage, believe in continuity through change, and have a firm belief in God. The River and the Source embraces the African woman's spirit of welcoming change while taking on the challenges that come with it. It is an epic story that spans cultures—filled with laughter and tears. It is a book that gives a true and involving insight into the culture and aspirations of the Luo people–the land of Obama's father.
Review
 
In 1995, The River and the Source won the Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature and the Commonwealth Writer's Prize, Best First Book. Over 2 million print copies have been sold in Kenya since then. It has been a literature set book for the Kenya secondary schools. It has been studied in many universities in Africa and beyond. An English edition has also been published in Nigeria. It has also been translated into Italian, Lithuanian, and Spanish.
"Ogola has a clear and unpretentious narrative voice, which makes the story very engaging. She also has a uniquely Kenyan turn of phrase." Sarah Norman, White whale (www.booksof2010blogspot.com).
"A top class novel from a highly qualified consultant paediatrician." — Ciugu Mwagiru, The Sunday Nation, August 7, 1994
"Ogola's text seeks to project Kenyan women as capable of not only telling their own stories but also of claiming their rightful place and identity in the broader national life." — Dr Tom Odhiambo, University of Nairobi
The River and the Source richness in terms of thematic exploration, character development and manipulation of style has established her as one of Kenya's upcoming writers worthy of critical attention." — Prof Egara Kabaji, The Weekly Review, June 30, 1995
 
About the Author
 
Margaret Atieno Ogola (1958-2011) was a Kenyan doctor and writer. Though a medical doctor, Margaret Ogola was always interested in writing. In her own words, 'her love affair with writing' started at the age of 15 when she sent her first manuscript to a publisher. But it was not until twenty years later, and after many half-hearted attempts, that she wrote The River and the Source—the prize winning and enthralling novel that catapulted her into the world of literature.  She said of the novel, "I almost casually began to write The River and the Source, which was a story waiting to be written. I wrote in long hand from November 1992—in between patients—and by April 1993, the over 300 page novel was ready for perusal by a publisher." Margaret Ogola also wrote I Swear by Apollo—a sequel to The River and the Source, A Place of Destiny, and Mandate of the People, published posthumously. She has coauthored a handbook for parents, Educating in Human Love, with her husband George. She contributed a chapter in Empowerment of Women, which came out of the Beijing Conference in 1995. She was the recipient of the Familias Award for Humanitarian Service of the World Congress of Families, in Geneva, Switzerland in 1999.

May 9, 2012 – Wednesday 5 pm – CT2 Studio, Central Television, White City, London
I am currently in the backstage of the 'Shawn Vaughn Show', a late-night talk show here in London. Because I am the first British author to be awarded the Outcault Prize for Fiction after twenty years, the producers of the talk show invited me. Because I'm also a fan of the show, I did not hesitate and accepted to appear as a guest. The reason why I like the show, is also the reason why I'm hyping myself up. Shawn likes to ask questions that would catch his guests off-guard or even offend them.
I was actually already awarded the prize last February but after my novel became a best seller, that was only when these TV people got interested in me. I have no grudges for these TV people however; after all, that's just how the world works.
After a listening to Shawn's monologue, I was finally called out. "Our first guest for the night; the award-winning author HELENA PADDINGTON!" I walked out to the platform to join Shawn. I also heard the enthusiastic cheer from the audience members, which I found unexpected, so I smiled and nodded at them to return the greeting.
After I took my seat at the couch, and Shawn took his at his chair, I had to force my mind to be vigilant. I have to be to not say something stupid during the interview. "I like your dress!" Shawn said as he pointed at my blue dress which a friend forced me to wear when she found out I'm going to this show. "Thank you. It's like I'm dressed up for a date." I replied.
"Ah. That's too bad, I don't prefer women." Shawn said with a swivel of his head, which the crowd chuckled at. He's gay. "Well, I just want to look good for you, Shawn. I'm a fan." I said. "Thank you." Shawn replied. That's what I like about him. Unlike other talk show hosts that would say 'I'm a fan as well', Shawn is honest.
"So. While I announced you as an award winning author, can you tell the people at home what prize you won?" Shawn asked. "It's the Outcault Prize for Fiction. An international award." I explained. "And this is special! Right? You are the first British recipient of the award since Evan Houghton for 'Greater Power'." Shawn said to me, but he's actually informing the audience. "Yes. That's right. The first British awardee in twenty two years." I clarified. I heard then an audience member clap followed by the rest of them for applause. I just nodded in response.
"How does it feel? This has to be huge, right?" Shawn asked. "Well. Yes. I never would have thought I would win this prize ever in my life, so it's an honor." I replied. Which is true. I did not write my book to win an award but just to tell a story.
"Hmm. What the viewers don't know is that you also won another international award years ago." Shawn primed. "Yes. I won the Sohlman Prize twelve years ago but because my books did not sell very well, no one aside from the literary circles appreciated my book." I said. "That's unfortunate. I hope the viewers at home will not only buy your recent book, but also your other novels." Shawn said. "I hope so too." I said, don't know what else to say.
"Anyway, I've read your book, but to the viewers who have not, can you tell us a short synopsis?" Shawn said. "My book's title is Australia. It is a story about people who had gone to Australia as tourists. When they got lost, the wild life is not only their enemy, but themselves, their emotions, and their psychological natures as well. It tells about the stories of people like a lone young man, a childless couple, and two sisters who went to the Australian wild to reconnect to each other." I said.
"I've read your book, and I have to say. It's thrilling. I reminded me that I cannot always handle things by myself, but with the help of others too. I'm not going to spoil it for the readers, but that is just one lesson I took from your book." Shawn said. "Thank you. I'm glad it gave you a lesson I intended." I said, genuinely glad. Shawn actually read my book, unlike most of the people that interviewed me.
"But. Why Australia?" Shawn asked a good question. "Well, when I was there for vacation, I noticed that Australia is a place where the modernity meets the primal savagery of nature. So I thought, about the human experience of travelling to the wild. Why would people even leave the comfort of the city to explore the dangerous wild life?" I said. "Many would out of curiosity and adventure, right?" Shawn asked.
"That's true. BUT, just like me who went there to know more about myself, I'm certain that other people went there as well not just to see the wild life. I got interested in those people and their stories." I explained without spoiling my book that much. "Hmm. Indeed. In your book, the wild life is not only an experience of the wild, but it also brings out things that we didn't know about ourselves, and that we would do things we would not even think of doing." Shawn said, supplementing my words.
"Yes. Will it make a person a hero? Will it make a person more selfish? What are we really willing to do for survival? Would we sacrifice ourselves? Or others? I explored these questions with the stories I wrote in my book." I said. Shawn shook his head while staring emptily. That is not a bad gesture. I can see the audience absorbed looking at the pondering expression of Shawn.
"What we're trying to say is, buy the book, everybody!" Shawn concluded. Our discourse about my book would never end had he not cut it short. I didn't like it to end, but to avoid spoiling too much or ramping up the viewers' expectations to my book, I'm glad we also moved on. We spent a few minutes talking about mundane stuff like where I grew up, which food I like, or
"Talking about novels. Have you heard of T.L.D Grimmauld?" Shawn asked. This is the part where Shawn talks to his guests about other things aside from the things the guests promote. His question, however, caught me off-guard. I never expected him to talk about another author. Not only any other author but the enviable Mr. Grimmauld.
"Oh. Who have not? I'm pretty sure some people here in the studio have read his books, right?" I asked. I saw from the corner of my eyes some audience members nodding to themselves. "I have. By any chance, have you met him, or her?" Shawn asked. I almost scoffed at this. Many people tried to look for the author. I too tried to solve the mystery of his identity. I even think that T.L.D Grimmauld is actually not a single author but a group of them. There's no way one man can make 'Middle Earth' by himself.
"It's 'him'. From what I heard, he is an author from Teungeb. But, no. I have not met him. I would love to meet him someday, however." I said, which is true. I want to talk to him or them about their writing process. "What about his work?" Shawn asked.
"Hmm. I am amazed at how he was able to transport us to another world in his novel. The races, the culture, the societies are so detailed; I can't imagine how much effort he put into making them, or the creativity it even took. I could only say that his novel was fueled by imagination." I told Shawn my opinion. "That is true. I would love to see it in a film. Do you think he deserves an award?" Shawn said. I did not like the question. I don't know if Shawn did it intentionally, but it is a trap. I decided to tread carefully.
"Honestly, I don't know. His book is the first of its own kind and there's nothing else like it to compare it to. Saying that, I don't think his book will suit to any existing award. Most fiction awards would talk about the human experience, people's trauma and happiness. Grimmauld did not go deep into that in his novel." I said. From the criteria of any award right now, 'The Halfling' does not meet them.
"So you're not saying he does not deserve an award, but if he competes, he cannot win anyway?" Shawn asked. "Yes. However, I would think of his work as the definition of a pioneer. If I try to write a novel about a fantastical world of different races and cultures, I don't think it will even compare to Mr. Grimmauld's 'The Halfling'. Look, in exchange for the depth of the emotions of the characters that fiction should have, Mr. Grimmauld used that depth in making his novel's world." I replied.
"Aha. That makes sense. By the way, you said pioneer. Do you think other authors will start to write fantasy novels like the one in 'The Halfling'?" Shawn said. "Oh absolutely. It's new and it's attractive, and it offers great escapism. I too want to seek refuge from the world to a new one, even just through a book. Honestly, I'm tempted to write a fantasy tale too, but I think it will take years for me to write one. I'd rather stick with what I know." I said.
I was not being entirely honest, however. Even though I want to tell great stories that I want to tell in my writing, I would also want to be wealthy by writing to the demand of the market. Not suffering from financial pressure while writing a book would be very very nice.


A/N : Alt Title - Jack of Entertainment 

Title : Jack of Arts

Synopsis:
Tayaw is a talented musician who never got to fulfill his potential. After losing his purpose in an unfulfilled life full of regrets; he is given the chance to go back in time and do everything over again.Along with a mysterious gift and an unclear mission, Tayaw starts a new life, this time making his mark to the world.
"Tayaw is a once in a hundred years musical artist! I just wish he was born in my generation"
- Buddy Rich, two-time Gramophone Award winner
"I admit he's a good musician, but he's an author first and foremost. He is changing the world of literature for the better."
- Helena Paddington, Outcault Prize for Fiction winner, Sohlman Prize for Literature winner.
"Despite being a musician and an author, he is to me, the greatest blessing to the film industry. This is his era."
- Heo Dong-jun, two-time Academy Award winner for Best Director and three-time nominee.

"I don't like him. Why does he use actors who didn't train and grind on the stage? He says he doesn't like my acting? What the hell does the kid know about acting? I've won awards for f*cks sake!"
- Merrell Street, five-time Academy Award winner for Best Actor, three-time Toby Award winner for Best Actor.




---------------
A ground work for a novel idea in the future.
---------------
English is not my first language so excuse my limited vocabulary and bad grammar. thanks

Han Leng had little knowledge about the classical music before this. However, he managed to gain some insight through his novel, "Beautiful April." He attributed all of this enlightenment to Goddess Chu. Of course, he did his fair share of research, in the process of his write up.
He may appear as an idiot and hipster, but, he was quite the perfectionist. Therefore, he has managed to create an iconic, juvenile novel, "Beautiful April."
Based on his vague knowledge of the classical music now, he had marked down Zhao Youyue's style as strictly competition based. It was tailored for impractical, stiff marking systems, similar to the type that their education employed!
Thus, everyone would soon be treated to a show of her pretentious, soulless grace in all its glory. After all, she had simply blown people away by turning up in non-uniform attire.
For Han Leng, there was no way that Zhao Youyue could compare with the Goddess Chu in term of music!
He kept using Chu Luoxun as a form of self-encouragement when he faced Zhao Youyue to prevent himself from being eroded by her. He was worried that he would be unconsciously influenced by the uniquely charming personality of Lady Zhao.
Unlike Han Leng, the other classmates were still looking forward to Zhao Youyue's performance. It was not a big deal if she could play well or not, as everyone had been labeling her as a formidable being, after she won the Golden Prize of the Provincial Music Competition!
After all, winning the prize was everything. If one is not mistaken, she has obtained the 10th grade for her violin test. This was the highest grading for the violin test, right?
Apparently, they did not know how to differentiate an amateur from a professional violist…
Even the top students thought she was impressive, as the Gold Prize of the Provincial Music Competition carried same weight as the First Prize of the Maths, Physic and Chemistry Competition. This could earn them extra marks for their college entrance examinations. How could one not be amazed by her, if she was able to acquire this skill while maintaining her good results?
While carrying her violin, Zhao Youyue went to the front. As she was walking to the front, she activated the "Chu Luoxun Card." A beautiful smile of confidence appeared on her face!
Chu Luoxun, a musical genius in the novel, turned out to be very imaginative in her own right. She instantly imagined that her outfit had turned into an elegant long dress, just like the transformation of a Magical Girl!
Actually, she was a musical Magical Girl!
She even imagined the dais as a grand stage with thousands of audiences sitting in front of it!
She was about to use music to create a carefree type of happiness for the soon-to-be-separated audiences, in order to comfort their depressed spirits…
The entire body of Zhao Youyue started releasing a powerful aura!
This was exactly as described in the novel. When Chu Luoxun starts her performance, which was the height of her existence, her body would seem to release a myriad of colorful light!
Han Leng was completely dumbfounded. At that moment, the more he looked at Lady Zhao, the more she would look like the Goddess Chu in his heart. She even got her smile spot-on. The optimism and confidence gave him a strong sense of familiarity!
How could it be?
Was he crazy? He thought that Lady Zhao had been possessed by the Goddess Chu!
The reason why he had such a profound feeling was because he had experienced Chu Luoxun's magical "Spiritual Music" firsthand, in his first "intoxicated state". He was also the one who could come up with a storyline easily…
Zhao Youyue appeared to be an extraordinary person now, in the eyes of the other classmates, giving out the legendary "Aura of An Ambitious King." Their knees were begging to meet the ground, so that they could worship this being!
The song that she decided to play was not a famous classical music, but a song created by Chu Luoxun, the genius composer --- "The Song of Youth."
One would certainly know that this was a very vigorous and uplifting song. It would easily find its way to its listener's hearts!
After silently reciting "To the God of Music, please heed my call," she began to perform!
Initially, everyone simply enjoyed it as any normal person would, for they knew little about classical music, let alone the song she was playing. It did not take long before they were absorbed in her music, which tickled and teased their imagination!
Even Lao Qiu was no exception!
He felt that he had traveled back to the time when he was a student. Who wouldn't want a wonderful period of youth? Who wouldn't hope that his first love could sing the song of youth with him?
Everyone seemed to have traveled back to their freshman year. They could feel again the anticipation and anxiety that they had when they were about to enter senior high school. The next year would be just as exciting now…
Some found themselves back on the basketball court, playing happily with their best friends; some had returned to the school's library and were reading their favourite books alone; some walked hand in hand with their crushes, strolling around the school; some were earnestly cleaning the classroom which seemed to filled with the colourful rays of the sunset…
Under the influence of the melodious violin sound, everyone recalled their most joyous and sweet campus moments, for the past one year. Some laughed, while some cried as unrequited love was a thing of sweet sorrow. It was a pantomime that could turn into a tragedy after the confession is made.
For most people, the school uniforms would be their couple shirts, and the graduation photo would be the only photo of him and her.
There would be several regrettable moments in everyone's wonderful youth. However, after many years, one would realize that they were a part of the song of youth, the pieces that formed the soul of the song.
Han Leng's eyes glazed over and he stared intently at Zhao Youyue. Affected by her penetrating music, he recalled the thoughts that he had already given up…
He now realized that he never gave up, all this while. It had only been strengthened during the period when he often spoke about Chu Luoxun being the one he loved the most.
Nonetheless, he knew that she would forever see him as a friend.
Even though he was not her friend, he still wanted to own the one he had sincerely admired before, after looking at her for many times. He had never once given up his love for her. It had only been the illusion of absence, brewing and churning with the intensity of the tides, under cover of dark clouds(1).
Eventually, Han Leng laughed, as he realized all this. All the anger that he had accumulated for the past few days disappeared in the flawless sound of the violin!
He utterly indulged in the world shaped by her music…
The outside of the classroom had become crowded too, and everyone was blown away by the song of youth. None of them made a sound!
Everybody was listening to it in silence…
This was a miracle. This was a scene which would only appear in the novel, but, now, it had manifested in reality.


An introverted girl has had enough of the isolation inadvertently formed by her solitary nature. Things changed when she discovers that she has the ability to transverse across the fabric of our universe into the dimensions of multiple storylines. Not only do these storylines leave her with invaluable lessons - they also impart a portion of their power - if she is deserving of it. The time has come for Zhao Youyue to change her fate. Never again, will she remain as a Side-Character!

"What is it?"
"Jae-Sik bro!"
"What about him? Close the door first before you continue to talk. Everyone will be able to hear you otherwise."
"Jae-Sik bro won a prize with his novel."
"Really? Haha. He did a very good job there. I knew he is good at writing!"
"The award is 50 million won."
"50 million won? Haha. That's a lot. Did he come to work already?"
"No, not yet. He just called me."
"When is he off?"
"He is off on Sundays."
"You are not planning to go to Incheon City to see your parents this Sunday, right?"
"No, I am not. I have to assist that Japanese engineer— Mr. Sakata Ikuzo here. I can't go."
"Then, call Jae-Sik and tell him that I will throw a pork belly party for him this Sunday."
"Wow. I've never expected to hear it from you, bro. I didn't know you can throw a party for someone."
"Did I hurt your feelings?"


"I just felt distant from you since you became the president of a company."
"Stupid! I have never tried to put a distance with you. I have been just too busy."
"Anyway, so you want to buy him pork belly, huh? But usually, the novel prize winner buys his friends pork belly, no?"
"I will buy it. I am the president; I am supposed to buy you guys a good dinner."
 
Gun-Ho, Jae-Sik, and Jong-Suk met at a pork belly restaurant downtown in Asan City.
"Oh, wow. This restaurant used to be an old house for someone. It looks great and cozy as a restaurant."
"That's right. I do like a restaurant with this kind of vibe."
"Jong-Suk, you didn't bring your car, did you?"
"I intentionally didn't bring my car today, so I can drink as much as I want to without worrying about driving."
"Good."
 
"It has been a while. When was the last time I had pork belly?"
They poured soju in each other's glass.
"Congratulations, Jae-Sik."
Three men clinked their glasses of soju to each other's and started drinking.
 
"Since you won the prize for your novel, you proved yourself as an author. So what are you going to do now? Are you moving back to Seoul?"
"What are you talking about? I am not going anywhere. I am staying here and work the same job at your company."
Jong-Suk said while pouring soju in Jae-Sik's glass.
"Bro, with your novel prize-winning, are you getting lots of requests to write something?"
"Not necessarily. I won the prize, but after the tax, it's not enough to live in Seoul."
"That's true. Even the rent for a OneRoom is really expensive in Seoul."
"Yeah. I have a rent-free room here, and I can have my meals at the company. My monthly salary is coming into my bank account on time every month. This is so great. Think of moving back to Seoul for a moment. You have to pay at least 100,000 won per month for rent. With the editing work, I can't make much, and it's not even coming in regularly. I can't have a better life there at all."
"That's right, Jae-Sik Bro. If you move back to Seoul, your cute bro—Jong-Suk is not there. Gun-Ho bro is not there either. You will feel really lonely."
"Yeah, I like here and I feel grateful to both of you, Gun-Ho and Jong-Suk for helping me when I need it the most."
"I didn't really do anything for you. You don't have to feel that way."
"I am even grateful for your presence standing next to me, Jong-Suk. If I get into a fight, you will stand on my side at least, right?"
"Nah. I will pretend that I've never seen you in my life."
"You, fu*ker!"
The three men were drinking, talking and laughing together until late night that day. They drank until they all became drunk.
 
"Bro, the yard with this big tree looks really nice, right? The tree adds a special vibe to the restaurant."
"That's true. What kind of tree is this?"
"We are like those people in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, having a drink in a place where there is a yard with a big tree. It's like we are doing that Oath of the Peach Garden thing."
"If so, you must be Zhang Fei since you are the youngest among us. You actually do act like Zhang Fei in Romance of the Three Kingdoms."
The three men laughed altogether.
"Okay. If I am Zhang Fei, then Gun-Ho bro is Liu Bei, and Jae-Sik bro is Guan Yu without a beard."
"Then, which role should we give to Min-Hyeok in China?"
"Maybe Zhuge Liang? Or Zhao Yun?"
"Hmm. I don't know…"
"Well, it is hard to place people in the right position. Now I understand why Gun-Ho bro always thinks hard to find the right position for workers."
Those three men walked out of the restaurant while putting arms around each other's shoulders, and they were singing together. They walked around the entire Onyang Town in Asan City.
 

The second factory where the research center was located was sold for 4 billion won.
Gun-Ho used the sales proceeds to pay for the loan to Korea Credit Guarantee Fund in order to lower the debt ratio of the company. The loan from Korea Credit Guarantee Fund had kept bothering him for quite a while because there was a joint surety involved. Gun-Ho now felt like the debt ratio of GH Mobile decreased substantially.
 
Gun-Ho asked for the accounting manager.
"When do we expect to have the semi-annual financial statements report?"
"We will have it ready by next week. Since it's a semi-annual report, it will be just several pages of papers, not a booklet."
"You will have to bring several copies of it. I will have to send it to our major bank and to Financial Supervisory Service as well. I think our major customers will ask for it too."
"We usually get 20 of them. If we need more, we can always make copies of it."
"Can you ask the accountant office to make one in English?"
"In English?"
"Yes. I will have to send it to Dyeon Japan as well, and it has to be written in English."
"Did you say Dyeon Japan?"
"Yes. Just ask them to make one in English."
"Yes, sir."
 


"One more thing. You have the phone number to GH Parts Company in China, right?"
"Yes, I have their number."
"Make a call to them and ask President Min-Hyeok Kim to make their semi-annual financial statements report in English as well. Hmm, never mind. I will call him myself."
Gun-Ho made a phone call to Min-Hyeok right away.
"How are you?"
"Good. It's going well so far."
"You are expecting to receive GH Parts Company's semi-annual financial statements report soon, right?"
"Yeah. I actually asked the accountant here to make more copies so I can send it to you."
"When the report is ready, ask the accountant to make another one in English."
"Okay, I will ask him. Why do we need an English version of the financial report? Do we have good news?"
"Well, it's too early to tell. I will let you know once I know for sure."
 
Once the second factory where the research center was located was sold, the workers started worrying about their current job security.
The chief officer of the research center came to the president's office to see Gun-Ho.
"The workers in the research center heard that the factory was sold, and they lost their motivation to work."


"How many workers are there in the research center?"
"We have 30 workers."
"Why don't you bring them all to the meeting room? I will talk to them."
"Yes, sir."
The workers from the research center started coming into the meeting room. They seemed to be all nervous when they heard the president wanted to talk to them.

This is the story of a poor young man whose poverty even shreds apart their family willing to climb his way through society and into the top. A very realistic novel that moves away from fantasy and sci-fi and focuses solely on the issues of society and life.


            That day….
            Was that a problem? Giving her the 100th day anniversary gift to her ---  A surprise gift that made her feel uncomfortable. 
             Sometimes I don't understand you at all. 
--- 
             Ally wring the sheets out of her hand to dry off the remaining moist when she spotted Ian stopping by.
            "Good morning," she greeted off with a smile. "You're early today."
            "Morning" he stopped in his tracks and wiped off his sweat. 
            "Are you a morning person?" she asked, whilst trying to hang up the sheets one by one. "It's hard to wake up every morning especially when it's on vacation days."         
            "I guess," he said nonchalantly.
 He noticed two horses behind him and began tending to it.
            Not noticing Ian was not listening, she rambled off again, "It's nice to walk around the neighborhood and jog around it. There's another trail that you can find here."
            No response.
 She looked towards Ian who was busy tending the horses.
            She once again cleared her throat to gain his attention. "Are you sure you're not staying for another night?"
            Finally getting his attention, he responded, "No, we've booked to another hotel."
            "Ah, I see," she nodded. But not wanting to waste an opportunity, she gives another offer, "We offer a 10 percent discount for customers-
            "We can ask for the discount in the hotel we booked at." He cut her off. 
            "Ah," she clicked off her tongue in dismay. She sulked at her first try.
            "Try harder next time in attracting customers," he finally stood up and grabbed another towel to dry his sweat.
            Ally couldn't say a word at his remark. With her mouth still wide open from surprise, he added," We're checking out today." 
And went off.
            "That was harsh," she shook her head in. "I hope something bad will land on him."
…
            We decided to take up a journey on the hill for the whole day. The hills were close beside the ocean. It was refreshing to get some air after quite some time. And for a moment, I was able to get a breather.               
            "How about we stay from the place we stayed in last night?" Mark said. "I like the place there."
            "No," Ian disagreed. "The owners think we're idiots."
            As if in response, a bird flew by and dropped its droppings to Ian's neck.
            "Ack," Ian said in disgust. "What's this?"
            "Hahaha," Mark said in amusement. "I think the bird thinks you're the idiot one here."
            "It's okay," Ian rolled his eyes, trying to wipe off the dirt. "We're almost near the beach. I'll just wipe this off with water."          
            "Wow," I said, "You really have the answer to everything."
            "It's nothing," Ian waved it off.
            Several minutes later, we managed to discover a clearing up in the distance. 
            "Did you hear that?" Mark asked. "Sounds like something's going on. Let's go look at it."
            From the distance, a small event was going on. Several people were lined up seated on the ground. We managed to take a seat in the front.
            The host spoke up, "I'm not going to be listening to couple's stories today. I'd be jealous."
            The crowd laughed in response. Everyone seems to be excited at the said event. 
            "For this event, please share us if you think it is your worst and tragic break-up in the whole world. For anyone who would like to share, would be given some wonderful prizes."
            The crowd applauded. 
            "We should join," Mark nudged to Ian to convince him. "What you think?"
             "For the first winners, they would be receiving one kg of freshly picked oranges and mandarins," she added. "And for the second place, I'll be giving out a first ever edition book series of "The Break-up Playlist". Who wants to go first?"
            And at that several hands went up,
            Eyeing at the prize, Mark wasted no time nudged Ian to proclaim it. It was tempting offer some thing that will last them for a few days. 
            "Ian," Mark insisted, whispering him. "Let's get the first prize. Think about it, my older sister gave me money to buy those and if we manage to get that we can more money. At the end of the day, we can do anything we want."
            "How are we going to do that?" Ian narrowed his eyes. 
            And with that, Mark turned his attention to me. I had a bad feeling for this. Ian followed his direction and he knew what just to do. 
            "You," Ian pointed out. "You're going to get the prize." 
            He smiled at me willingly as if I had no choice about this. Mark grinned at his own suggestion. 
            "No," I said repeatedly. "Don't even dream about it."
            "It's just once," Ian said. "Give it a shot."
            The host called out the first contender who raised her hand.
            She stood up and said, "I once dated my co-worker. Turns out he was two-timing me. And the worst part was he dated one of the co-workers in the different department of the same company."
            "Not enough," the host shook her head. "And we've heard this kind of story before. Isn't it?"
            The crowd cheered with agreement.
            Another guy stood up, "my girl would always get annoyed whenever I wouldn't give her anything I asked for. There was one time I gave her tickets going to Hawaii and I never heard from her again. I thought we'd go there together but I wrong." 
            He laughed nervously at his own story but that wasn't not enough.
            The host was disappointed. By then, there'll be no winners to claim for the prize.
            "hm," the host shook her head. "Is there anyone who can tell a better story?"
            Mark having no choice, grabbed my hand and raised upwards. It was already too late to pull it down. The host had already called out my name.
            "Why don't we try the gentleman from the front?" she pointed me forward and smiled.            
            I sighed and brushed off my seat, "Good morning. Hello, my name is Tyler Fischer.
He paused. "I was dumped in our 100th anniversary. It was a perfect day. But on our way home, she dumped me."
            Mark laughed half-heartedly and playfully threw a punch, "Isn't it that tragic"
            Everyone agreed to his words.
            "She even gave me gifts that day," I continued. "She even told me I was his ideal type. But I don't really know the reason why she dumped me."
            I finally finished my story and sat down in my seat.
            The host was disheartened by his story. 
            "Good job," Mark said excitedly. "The first prize is ours."
            "Is there anyone else who wants to share their story?" the host asked. "If there isn't, the first place goes to…." 
            "Me"
            Another person stood up.
            "Okay," the host pointed out. "The lady standing there. Please share your story with us."
            "Oh," Ian said surprisingly. "The girl from yesterday. Romance Novel Enthusiast"
            "Hello," the girl bowed. "I told my boyfriend to break up with me on my birthday. 
Memories flooded in. "I wanted to do something with my boyfriend. But I couldn't reach my boyfriend. He often went off the grid."
She continued again. "He didn't even wish me happy birthday. A lot of people greeted me, but I've never felt lonelier in my life than that day. I never felt so pathetic and worthless waiting around my boyfriend who didn't put me first even on my birthday. He finally called me after 11 o'clock at night. He asked me to go out to get the cake. It had been five days he called me. 
"I thought he would stay longer but he left after he gave it out," she paused. "Strangely, I wanted to cut him some slack. I didn't want to trouble him. It would be stupid of me. I excited opened the gift but was disappointed. The cake he gave me was made out of strawberry. I'm actually allergic to strawberries."
She laughed. "I told him several times, but he forgot. That's when I realized it was over between us. So, I broke with him. It was the saddest birthday of my life…."
"That was a good one," Mark said with regret. "We lost."
"Tsk," host agitated with her story. "that horrible basta-". She shook her head and recollected herself.
 "Special Occasions like Birthdays and Anniversary are meant to be happy moments in our life," the host commented. "We have winner. Please come up on stage to claim your prize."
We both stood up and came in to grab the prize. We stood side by side awkwardly trying to take a pic together. I never would have thought I'd see her again.
….
            "Aw," Mark grumbled. "You should have cried awhile ago. The story would have been more convincing."
            He began to act dramatically. 
"In my 100th anniversary huhu I was dumped," Mark trying to cry softly. "Like that."
I rolled my eyes at his suggestion and ignored him.
"Was the story even real," Ian wondered. "Or was it another one of her novels that she read?"
"Who knows?" I shrugged my shoulders. "Let's go. It's getting late."
We were about to leave when that girl stopped us from behind.
"Hi," she greeted. "I was wondering if we could switch prizes."
Ian and Mark stopped in their tracks.
"We'll get it- "
"Why?" Ian disrupted Mark before he said anything.
"Why did you say that," Mark whispered in his face. "We need that."
She slowly purses her lips and said, "It's the limited collections that I want actually If you don't mind."
"Yes, you can get it," Mark said excitedly.
Ian lightly punched Mark.
"What?" Mark said incredulously. "What's your problem?"
"She doesn't have the prize in her hand," Ian muttered.
"Ah," she added. "If you're wondering where the prize, it's in the hotel. It was too heavy, so they delivered it in there."
"Hmm, I see," Ian said. "We'll just head there then."
….
            "Weren't you supposed to check-out today?" Ally sneered, folding up her shoulders. "What are you still doing here?"
"We came to switch the prizes." Ian shot back. 
"What?!" Ally said surprisingly. She grabbed her by the shoulders and whispered, "Are you serious? That's worth than 100 dollars or more."
"I've always wanted those limited books," she said, pleading with her own eyes. 
"Alright," she said. "I'll give it to them."
She turned towards her attention and finally said, "We'll switch the prizes."
A phone call rang. Ian went to pick it up. "Excuse me, I'll take this call."
While Ian was still on the phone, Mark remembered something. "The novel that you said awhile ago… was is it real or just a story?"
"Story?" Ally asked."
"Oh that," she something from her bag revealing a book. "It came from here."
"Ah," Mark pointed out. "So that's why…."
Ian finished up his call and came back.
"I guess we're going now," I said. "Goodnight."
We all grabbed our bags and began to walk away. When Ian suddenly came back and said, "Do you still half of the oranges?"
Mark was shock at his sudden outburst and began to grab him back when he added, "How about all of it?"
"What happened?" I asked. 
"There were some problems in the inn we were staying at," Ian informed, whilst fixing his glasses. "The water heater broke. It will take some time to be fixed."
"Well, well," Ally chided. "The room is all booked. And we're not allowed to check-in with walk-ins."
"You can have the prize that I have," Ian urged. "We just need a place to stay."
"Hmm," Ally hesitated. "Lemme check for a while."
She pulled out her tablet really quick.
"Oh," she said in surprise, scrolling on her tablet. 
"You guys are lucky today," she added. "Someone just checked out today. But there's a rule that you have to reserve the place one day before."
Ian gave out a disappointed look in his face.
"But I can make an exception today," Ally noted. You can all go in."
 "Nice one!" Mark exclaimed. "Thank you so much."
I was relieved that we manage to get the room.
"But," Ally interjected. "In one condition…"
"What?" I asked, surprised at her sudden condition. 
Ian had a skeptical look at his face. But she continued, "Will you accept it?"
Everyone looked wide-eyed wondering what her request will be.
….
 "Are you sure you didn't want to give them discounts," she asked. "They looked nice."
They were in their bedrooms already getting ready to sleep. Ally was busy with her face.
"I was supposed to give them discounts," Ally replied, rubbing her face with some lotion. "But after remembering this morning, I changed my mind."
"Hahaha," she chuckled. She grabbed a book from her bedside and began to read.
"What story did you tell by the way?" she asked. "A story from a novel
"Oh that," she smiled at her friend and sighed. "I really wish it was from a novel."

novel prize novel

Sanctified Prize

The Captains Prize

I’m Really a Superstar

Have a lot

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ROBERT PETER

Jack of Arts

Shift! The Side-Character Heroine

Story of a Big Player from Gangnam

The Summer that I met YOU

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