Inside the Desolate World Eater Demon Bug's stomach.

Drifting Sand world.

The black market.

Someone loudly called out: "We've found a poem of divination! Anyone who would like to know, bring your treasures here and make a trade. #200 or above coins, treasures of similar value or a different poem of Divination will also be accepted!"

Everyone turned to look.

The one who said that was a well-known Combatant.

After he made the announcement, he had members of his organization get into battle formations, and got ready to fight.

Because someone might come with ill intentions, wanting to use violence to know what that poem of divination was.

An over-3-meter tall muscular man stepped forward and stopped near them.

This was another well-known close-combat Combatant by the name of [Beheader].

"So you're the famous Beheader? Do you want to exchange information with us for the poem of divination? Or do you want to fight?" the Combatant asked.

"Of course I'm here to exchange information" the Beheader answered in annoyance, "there's a total of 21 poems, even if someone knows them all, they still have to analyze it to find out where the labyrinth is, I don't have time to waste"

"Very well, my thoughts exactly, then let's conclude our transaction quickly" the Combatant said.

The Beheader pulled out a coin and showed it to him: "This is the #337 coin, I think you already know what it does, I want to exchange it for your information"

The Combatant took the coin and smiled.

"Very well, I'm very happy with this offer, I accept"

Everyone silently watched them complete their trade.

A few moments later.

The entire black market began to exchange information regarding the poems as well.

There were almost no large-scale battles.

Because battles took time, and every second wasted fighting was a second where others were using to step closer towards becoming a Demigod.

Soon enough, everyone found a total of 9 poems of divination within the Holy Bibles.

----------only 12 left to go!

…

On the other side.

Gu Qing Shan and Little Xi were quickly flying through the vast, endless desert.

They went past sand dune after sand dune, flying towards a certain direction.

Little Xi still couldn't contain her surprise, asking Gu Qing Shan again: "So you actually managed to learn the Skill that the Divinities' enemy used to hunt them, how incredible"

"Do you want to learn?" Gu Qing Shan asked.

Little Xi hurriedly nodded, extremely excited.

"But how should I teach it to you?" Gu Qing Shan asked.

"There's no hurry, after your card grade increases a bit more, when you can create cards on your own, you'll just have to teach it to me through a card" Little Xi smiled.

"I can do that?" Gu Qing Shan asked in surprise.

Little Xi replied: "Of course, you're currently only a grey card. You don't even know simple card terms like treasures, summoning tools, and card creation, so the more complicated ones are out of the question. You just have to quickly increase your own card grade, and I think becoming a Demigod is the best shortcut for that"

Gu Qing Shan asked: "Didn't your power also decrease by a lot? Why aren't you aiming to be a Demigod instead?"

"Because I already have a plan and a clear idea of what to do to get stronger, while you're still a blank slate, you can use the Divinities' way to become stronger first before anything else"

While they were talking, a male voice suddenly called out.

"Where are you going?"

The black-skinned man suddenly appeared in front of them, blocking their way.

He was a ruler of the desert, a powerful creature from the Abyss of Sin.

"Ah? It's you?" Little Xi quickly reacted and smiled: "We're going to-----"

Gu Qing Shan quickly chimed in: "---go around the desert, searching for a way to leave this world"

"Let me talk to him" he sent his voice to Little Xi.

Little Xi was surprised, but kept quiet.

The black-skinned man stared at the two of them and asked: "How strange, why aren't you trying to read and analyze the Holy Bibles, that's the only way to seal the monster"

Gu Qing Shan didn't answer him and instead threw something to the black-skinned man.

He caught it and took a look.

It was a small black bag.

"I've checked the bag, there's nothing but money in there, you can use it when you leave" Gu Qing Shan said.

The black-skinned man put the black bag away and continued to ask: "What are you going around for?"

"I already told you, looking for a way to leave"

The black-skinned man said: "The entire world is already eaten by that bug in the sky, how is there a way to leave?"

"Yeah, because it's a bug, there should be various openings and hollow areas within its body, our goal right now is to search for those hollow areas" Gu Qing Shan answered with a serious expression.

The black-skinned man said nothing.

"Find a way to leave this world from here…" he muttered in a low voice.

"Look, I'm not wasting time standing here chatting with you anymore, we're going to keep looking" Gu Qing Shan told him.

"Alright, I hope you'll find the way" the black-skinned man smiled at them.

He moved out of their way.

Gu Qing Shan brought Little Xi and flew past him, quickly disappearing into the horizon.

The black-skinned man silently watched as they left and muttered: "The way to leave… I hope you'll find it…"

He disappeared from the sky.

A sand storm began to brew in the desert of sand.

…

After Gu Qing Shan and Little Xi went far enough away.

Gu Qing Shan finally stopped.

Little Xi also stopped and asked him: "Why did you say that to him? Weren't we looking for the labyrinth?"

"Where's the Abyss of Sin?" Gu Qing Shan asked her back.

"Ah, with our current speed, we'll reach it in about 2 hours" Little Xi answered him.

"Are all the wardens inside the Abyss of Sin powerful wild creatures like that black-skinned man?" Gu Qing Shan asked again.

"Of course not, only a few of them are like him, there are other different types of powerful wardens as well" Little Xi replied.

"Can they deal with the monster in the seal?" Gu Qing Shan asked.

Little Xi froze.

She suddenly recalled how the giant green arms practically covered the earth before as the sinful creature tried to break free from the ground.

It was a terrifying monster that she could barely seal away at the peak of her power!

Indeed, when the giant green arms took over the surface of the world, no creatures outside of the black market could possibly escape.

Even the powerful wardens of the Abyss of Sin couldn't stop themselves from being devoured by the monster.

"They can't, the most they can do is immediately notify the Divinities, but there are no longer any Divinities here… yet he's still alive and well!" Little Xi wondered in confusion.

Gu Qing Shan sighed and spoke: "That scorpion is no longer his original self…"
"According to my deductions, perhaps the appearance of the figure of light was the final struggle of the wardens from the Abyss of Sin before their deaths"

Little Xi asked: "Why do you think so?"

Gu Qing Shan replied: "Because he appeared exactly where the labyrinth is-------- he was blocking our path into the labyrinth"

Gu Qing Shan slowly continued: "He and his family sat with me on a ship, wanting to do everything to leave this world, but now he appeared to block my way, giving off such clear killing intent. It was obvious that he isn't welcoming me into taking the Divine Armaments away"
"But what kind of creature would want to prevent me from taking the Divine Armaments?"
"The entire world is currently hoping to activate the Divine Armaments, except a single creature who doesn't want that"
"------the sealed creature"
"The creature must've used a method that we don't understand to bypass the figure of light's seal and entered the scorpion's body"

Little Xi couldn't help but shook her head: "You were suspicious that he was no longer the original him with just that?"

Gu Qing Shan replied: "Of course not, I used the process of elimination. I assumed that there could only be one thing that could deal with a powerful wild creature like himself, as well as taking over his body"
"In fact, I only confirmed it after I gave him the bag of coins-------- because we had already decided to split the money inside the bag, but earlier he acted like he didn't know about that at all"
"The real him felt very awkward about taking the money, so he wouldn't have just taken the money without saying a single word like he did just now"
Gu Qing Shan's voice became a bit done: "If he's already dead, the Demon Scorpion Empress is most likely in a similar situation, if you want further proof, you can try to check your summoning card of her"

Little Xi took out her Demon Scorpion Empress summoning card.

It was blank.

Little Xi sighed as she looked at Gu Qing Shan: "You're right, looks like we're going to have to think of some way to deal with him before we can enter the labyrinth"

Gu Qing Shan chuckled bitterly.

"It's not just him, I'm guessing that every warden in the Abyss of Sin are currently within the labyrinth"
"That monster had already taken over their bodies, it would definitely not allow anyone to take any Divine Armament away, nor let them unleash the new seal"


The end of all worlds approach.
The Demon King Order harvests lives from all manners of living beings.
Within this darkness full of despair, a single person bypassed Space-time and returned to before the world collapsed, determined to change the fate of the past.
But as time went by, he gradually found that the Apocalypse isn’t quite as simple as he thought…
------------ 
Translator: La0o9
Link to the WAO glossary page for possible confusing terminologies, a short character list and overall minor spoilers (I recommend not to check the page out until you reach the latest chapter): 
https://otakutl.blogspot.com/2020/02/wao-glossary.html


Reo blinked innocently. "Harano onii-chan, you need to take a bath together with Juumonji-neechan."
'There was no need to say that,' Seiji thought helplessly.
Kaede shot a flirtatious look at him; Seiji broke eye contact and looked away. He saw that Mika and Shika were staring at him fiercely.
"This was just an accident. I won't look at anything," he promised as he moved his player piece.
They entered the fantasy-illusion.
Although Seiji intended to immediately shut his eyes, upon entering the onsen bath, he reflexively looked around him.
He saw the blonde beauty Kaede standing right next to him, holding only a towel which covered her private locations. Large patches of snow-white skin, her beautiful face, and her excellent figure were all visible…
When their eyes met, Kaede flushed and smiled at him seductively with watery eyes that were incredibly moving.
Seiji was dazed by the sight.
Then, he suddenly regained his senses, hurriedly averted his gaze, and closed his eyes. He abandoned attempting this scene's event and waited for the fantasy-illusion to end.
They returned to reality.
"You looked…" an icy voice spat out.
"Even though you just said that you wouldn't."
"Wah…" Seiji could only do his best to withstand Mika and Shika's cold glares.
Reo laughed. "Harano onii-chan is a pervert~"
'Please, there's no need to add anything more!' Seiji almost wanted to cry.
"It's actually not a big deal if he saw," Kaede said softly.
"Juumonji-sensei, please be more mindful of yourself!" Mika was now glaring in Kaede's direction.
It was now Mika's turn to roll the die.
She tossed a six.
Once again, it was the bathing scene! Mika was rendered speechless.
"This time, I definitely won't look," Seiji promised again.
The pigtailed girl felt rather conflicted about this. She moved her player piece and they all entered the illusion again.
This time, Seiji really did close his eyes immediately; he didn't look at anything from start to finish.
Mika inwardly grew angry when she realized this.
'He couldn't help looking when he was together with Juumonji-sensei… what's this!' Her internals were in turmoil.
Next up was Shika.
She rolled a three. Luckily, it wasn't yet another repeat of the bathing scene.
On the eighth space was a drawing of a child flying a kite. Shika passed through this event quite easily.
Reo tossed out a five and landed on a forest in full bloom. Her task to catch the flower petals as they fell down from the sky. She succeeded in passing after making an effort.
Seiji and Mika were both punished by having their next turns skipped, so it was Kaede's turn again. She rolled a three and caught some flower petals together with Reo…
The game continued smoothly just like this.
"Brother, this board game is using up part of our Mana," Shika said after the game carried on for a while.
Seiji nodded. "Yep, I noticed this as well."
"This game uses the participants' Mana as well as the Mana from the surrounding environment in order to power itself."
"If it uses up all our Mana, it might stop operating—or it may continue working by using the Mana that it's already gathered… what do you think?"
"I think that Brother is probably right." Shika paused for a moment. "Based on the current speed that it's draining our Mana, I estimate that my Mana will be used up after roughly one hour."
Seiji blinked at this. "One hour… if we're lucky, that should be just enough time to finish this game. In that case, we have two choices: we can either intentionally stall for time and refuse to play the game; or do our best to finish this game in one hour. However… we don't know what would happen in either scenario."
He swept over everyone gathered with his eyes. "Let's decide together. Should we work hard to finish this mysterious board game or intentionally stall for time?"
A moment of silence fell between everyone.
"I want to finish this board game!" Reo was the first to speak up. "I think it's really fun, and I want to finish."
She had a very simplistic mindset.
Seiji smiled. "I agree with Reo-chan. This is an interesting game, so why don't we finish it properly?"
Since they didn't know what would happen either way, Seiji figured that they might as well go along with her.
Mika, Kaede, and Shika all agreed. Everyone decided to work hard and finish this board game.
The farther they progressed, the more difficult the scenes in the spaces became. Everyone tried their best to complete the tasks set and also had lots of fun while doing so.
Of course, there were a few rather embarrassing or awkward events similar to the bathing scene. Seiji silently accepted these benefits as well as the glares directed at him, helping him to cultivate his gentlemanly heart.
Due to her excellent performance and good luck, Kaede was now the closest to the finish point.
If she rolled a six, then she would reach the finish point and the game would end. With everyone watching, she tossed her die… and rolled a three!
A woman playing badminton was depicted on the square.
Badminton was a racket sport similar to tennis. It was played with a shuttlecock and rackets. Both players would hit the shuttlecock to the other side—but, unlike tennis, the shuttlecock wasn't allowed to touch the ground. The first player who missed the shuttlecock and allowed it to hit the ground would lose a point.
They entered the illusion.
Kaede, garbed in traditional Sakura Island clothing, had a racket in her hand.
Her gold-red Sakura Island clothing was quite beautiful… during the course of the game, Seiji had witnessed all the beauties playing with him in various types of attire and giving him plenty of eye candy.
Kaede's opponent was a black-veiled, white-haired woman. She was also wearing black-and-white Sakura Island clothing.
This woman was covering her face… which was a little unusual.
During all the events of this game so far, not a single opponent—or perhaps puppet—had covered their face like this.
The black-veiled woman tossed out the shuttlecock and served first with a clear, resounding sound.
The shuttlecock came flying at a high speed. Kaede barely managed to return it.
*Peng peng peng peng…*
After a flurry of blows, the shuttlecock landed on Kaede's side, and she lost the first point.
It was now Kaede's turn to serve.
After a few more exchanges, the shuttlecock landed on her side yet again. After the third, fourth, and fifth repeat…
The illusion ended.
"I failed. I have to go back twelve spaces." The blonde teacher helplessly moved her player piece back.
Shika was up next.
She rolled a five and moved to a space with a drawing of a boy and girl playing karuta.
Karuta was a classic game where a judge sang an ancient poem, and the two players competing would attempt to be the first to steal the card representing that poem.
Seiji recalled that there was a popular anime regarding this card game back in his previous life. It was called something like Chihayafuru?
They entered the illusion.
The male-Shika was seated in the middle of a tatami mat room. She was wearing Sakura Island clothing, and her opponent… was once again the black-veiled, white-haired woman!
'Is she… some type of boss in this game?' Seiji was somewhat suspicious about her identity.
Paper karuta cards were already arranged in between them, but there was no judge. Suddenly, a melodious female voice began to sing a poem.
The black-veiled woman's right hand instantly moved, causing a paper card to vanish on the tatami and appear in her hand.
'So quick! That was just a few words! And her speed… she must be cheating!!' Seiji remarked in his mind.
Shika had a nervous expression.
The next time that a new poem began, she attempted to steal the card at the fastest speed possible. However, the black-veiled woman was faster than her, and instantly stole away the second card again.
The black-veiled woman also obtained the third and fourth cards…
After successfully stealing five cards in a row and leaving Shika with nothing, Shika ended up failing the event.
They all returned to reality, and Shika was forced to go back twelve spaces.
"That black-veiled woman appeared in multiple events near the finishing point and is an exceedingly strong opponent. She must be the final boss," Seiji said. "If my guess is correct, Reo-chan will meet her as well."
Everyone looked towards the little girl.
Reo rolled a six. She moved to a scene of children having a snowball fight.
When they entered the illusion, Reo's opponent was indeed the black-veiled woman as Seiji had surmised!


Translator note: Apologies to the readers. This series is currently on hiatus. We ask for your understanding!
A 30-year-old Chinese NEET is reincarnated into the body of an otaku that choked to death on instant noodles. As he comes to grips with his new life, he realizes that this world is subtly different from Earth. The denizens of this world are far better looking, and this new world also possesses futuristic technology as well as mysterious Yin Yang masters! 
After reincarnating, he realized that he was endowed with a miraculous game-like system, which enables him to increase his own stats and transcend the limits of the human body. This system even has a game-breaking ability to save and load in real life!
In this new world that’s akin to a 2-D game, he just wants to enjoy life and head for a glorious future... However, he is quickly embroiled in a complex plot. Can he unlock his true potential and utilize his system to break the shackles that confine him and discover the truth about his previous body’s circumstances? 

Not a single person present wanted to voice a word about the injustice for Yun Zhonghe.
Because, the way everyone saw it, this meritorious contribution had nothing to do with Yun Zhonghe in the first place.
And Blue Immortal was definitely a much better candidate than the crazy beggar, Yun AoTian, who had just arrived, to claim the credit for this.
Strolling in an idle manner, as though walking through a courtyard, Blue Immortal arrived at the front of the castle that was situated in the valley.
At that time, the entire castle was heavily fortified. More than a few hundred elite soldiers kept the entire castle so tightly guarded that it was impossible for anyone to break through their defense.
Upon arriving at the main gate of the castle, Blue Immortal saluted dashingly and said, "I am Blue Immortal, and I have come to seek an audience with Lady Ning Qing."
The one guarding the gate was a middle-aged woman, Ning Que. She was Ning Qing's confidante, and she was extremely highly skilled in martial arts.
Ning Que said, "I'm sorry, Lady Ning has stated that she will not be meeting anyone at this time."
Blue Immortal said, "Please take my name card and this item to Lady Ning Qing. She will see me."
Ning Que said, "I need to check it first. May I?"
Blue Immortal said, "Of course."
Ning Que took the calligraphy painting and opened it a little. Instantly, there was a slight change in her expression.
It was very clear that she knew her master the best. Mister Taia's works were simply her master's weak spot.
These days, there was no telling how many waves of people had come to visit her master.
There was the Mo Clan of the City of Washed Jade, and the Qiu Clan of the City of Autumn Waters. There was even an envoy sent by the Tantai Clan, the family of the First Lord.
And the one with the greatest urgency was undoubtedly the Jing Clan of the Valley of Torn Gust, for this investigation report would directly affect the fate of the Jing Clan.
But regardless of which powerful clan the visitor represented, Lady Ning Qing had not seen a single one of them.
Now it definitely seemed like an exception was going to be made.
Because these treasured pieces of Mister Taia's, the calligraphy paintings and poetry, were simply irresistible.
Who was this old man standing in front of her? He could be said to have found the right trump card against her master.
"Dear distinguished guest, please wait for a moment while I go in to make a report," Ning Que said. "Someone, bring a chair here for this old gentleman. Serve him some fine tea and see to it that he doesn't feel the least bit neglected."
That was really the first time someone had enjoyed such treatment.
A moment later, someone brought over a chair as well as a tea table where there was not only fine tea but also several kinds of exquisite cakes.
Blue Immortal leisurely sat down to enjoy the tea and cakes.
Even if it were a difficult mission, he, Blue Immortal, would still be able to complete it confidently and effortlessly.
Once he had accomplished a meritorious achievement, how should the monarch, Jing Zhongyue, repay him? He, Blue Immortal, did not have anything for himself. But he had to seek justice for his disciple, Lan Yu.
Lan Yu was appointed as the centurion of the Embroidered Guard Division, and yet, he had been openly beaten up by Yun AoTian in the street. That matter could not be left unresolved and needed to be concluded.
At the very least, Yun AoTian should be stripped of his title. That guy absolutely could not be allowed to rise. He had to be nipped in the bud.
Blue Immortal did not wait long.
He had not even finished his cup of tea when Ning Que came out.
Blue Immortal rose up in a reserved manner, waiting for the other party to invite him in.
However, Ning Que directly handed the name card and Mister Taia's works back to him and said, "I'm sorry, the master cannot see you."
Blue Immortal was taken aback.
Why?
Was it not the case that Ning Qing was completely defenseless against any of Mister Taia's calligraphy paintings and poetry?
Now she was actually refusing him with such a firm and impervious attitude?
Ning Que went on to say, "Please don't send any more people here to seek an audience, and don't even send any more gifts. Be mindful that in doing so, the outcome may turn out to be just the opposite of what you wish to accomplish."
"Understood!" Blue Immortal said with a gloomy expression.
***
More than half an hour later, Blue Immortal appeared inside Jing Zhongyue's magnificent tent.
It was truly a disgraceful return after that failure. But his expression did not seem all that awful.
The entire inside of the tent was enshrouded in a layer of haze.
Blue Immortal said, "Lady Ning Qing wants me to relay this. We should stop sending people to seek an audience with her, and we should not send any more gifts. We have to be mindful that in doing so, the outcome may turn out to be just the opposite of what we wish to accomplish."
As he said those words, Blue Immortal shifted his gaze towards Yun Zhonghe.
He was clearly telling Jing Zhongyue not to send Yun Zhonghe to seek an audience with Ning Qing.
With Ning Qing's aloof and proud character, if they were to send a lunatic like Yun Zhonghe over, he was truly afraid that doing so would bring misfortune to the Valley of Torn Gust.
"The widow, Ning Qing, has already given a very serious warning. I implore my Lady to please think twice about it!"
"My Lady, let's return to the City of Torn Gust first, and then we can make plans."
"My Lady, we must never allow Yun AoTian to take any more risks. It will really bring us great calamity."
Jing Zhongyue closed her eyes. She had already heard about it.
There was no knowing how many envoys had gone to seek an audience with Ning Qing, but all had been rejected. Whether it was the City of Washed Jade, the City of Autumn Waters, or even the envoys sent by the First Lord's Tantai Clan, none had been able to see Ning Qing.
It could be seen that Ning Qing's attitude was really resolute to the extreme.
And who was Yun Zhonghe?
A gangster, a beggar of a humble and lowly background. Also, he was one who had never received any education, had attained nothing in life, and was only capable of crazy talk.
Whereas Ning Qing was born a noblewoman, a legendary woman of great talent. She was a strong contrast to Yun Zhonghe. The two of them were completely like heaven and earth, with simply nothing in common to speak about at all.
Letting Yun Zhonghe execute this mission to strike a successful deal with this woman? That was just too crazy, was it not?
It might really be like what everyone said, that it would completely anger Ning Qing and bring a great calamity to the Valley of Torn Gust.
But to return like this, with nothing accomplished?
It was less than five days away from the deadline for Ning Qing to submit her report.
Jing Zhongyue opened her stunningly beautiful eyes and said, "Yun Zhonghe, are you confident?"
Yun Zhonghe said nonchalantly, "Yes!"
"Yun AoTian, don't you make such irresponsible remarks. Your death will not be anything worth lamenting. But, if you anger Lady Ning Qing and bring calamity to the Valley of Torn Gust, then even if we sentence you to death by a thousand cuts, there would still be no way to salvage the situation."
"My Lady, don't ever allow this to happen."
"My Lady, this Yun AoTian is a lunatic through and through. What if, the moment he sees Lady Ning Qing, he says things about wanting to sleep with her? Then it really would be game over for us. There is no turning back for us!"
Several of Jing Zhongyue's aides, who were also her confidantes, hurriedly knelt down and implored her.
She continued to look at Yun Zhonghe and asked, "Are you sure? Are you confident?"
"Yes," Yun Zhonghe said.
The moment he said yes, the crowd became utterly disdainful.
You're just boasting carelessly, right?
How many people have sought audiences with Lady Ning Qing these days?
There were great scholars, benefactors, students, talented people, and even her own people from the Ning Clan.
But not a single one had succeeded in seeing Ning Qing.
Just now, Blue Immortal had failed as well, even though he had gone with Mister Taia's calligraphy painting.
You, a mere beggar, want to change the will of Lady Ning Qing? This is absolutely fool's talk.
Jing Zhongyue said with an apathetic tone, "Then go get yourself prepared. Once you are ready, get going with your mission immediately."
The moment that was said, everyone's expression changed drastically.
The several aides, Blue Immortal, and the others present hurried to speak up and admonish her.
"Get out!" Jing Zhongyue's expression was cold as she pointed outside. Then she said, "Don't make me repeat myself."
All of a sudden, there was a murderous aura that filled the entire inside of the tent.
At times like that, when Jing Zhongyue exploded in rage, no one would dare to continue with their admonishment. Otherwise, she would really start killing people.
Over the past year since her ascension, how many people had she killed?
It was uncountable.
Instantly, everyone made their way out of the tent, albeit with great reluctance, as they looked at Yun Zhonghe with eyes that spoke of their extreme eagerness to tear him to bits and pieces.
And every single one of them was criticizing what had happened in their hearts.
It would not do for a woman to take up the role of a monarch. At the most critical moments, she would just be too stubborn and foolish.
The foundations of the Jing Clan would most likely be destroyed in the hands of this castellan.
Old castellan, why did you lose consciousness so suddenly? Our Valley of Torn Gust is in danger.
***
Inside the tent, only Yun Zhonghe and Jing Zhongyue were left.
"Yun Zhonghe, you saw the situation just now, right?" Jing Zhongyue asked.
"Yes."
Jing Zhongyue said, "You should be able to imagine what will happen to you if you fail, right?"
Yun Zhonghe said, "Even if you don't kill me, the others in the Valley of Torn Gust will still tear me apart."
Jing Zhongyue said, "Then, are you sure you still want to go? Are you still able to say that you are confident?"
Yun Zhonghe said, "Yes!"
Jing Zhongyue said, "Here is a wooden barrel already filled with boiling hot water. Take a bath and change your clothes. Regain your handsome appearance, then go meet this widow, Ning Qing."
Yun Zhonghe said, "No need. I will go see her looking like this."
Jing Zhongyue's beautiful eyes narrowed.
With the way he looked right now? He had the look of a destitute beggar, with tattered and worn-out clothes, and weed-like hair that caused anyone that saw him to suspect that a flea might pop out of it at any moment.
To go meet the widow, Ning Qing, with such an appearance?
Are you courting death?
"Are you sure?" Jing Zhongyue asked.
"I'm sure," Yun Zhonghe replied.
Jing Zhongyue said, "Then go. I will wait to hear from you. If you fail, you will probably never get to see me again anyway."
Yun Zhonghe said, "My moon, please wait for my triumphant return."
Then, with a wave of his weed-like hair, Yun Zhonghe swaggered out of the tent and headed towards the castle in the valley below.
Watching the scene unfold, practically everyone around him was shocked, and their attention and eyes were fixated on him.
Was Yun AoTian really so crazy?
Without even bothering to clean himself up a little, he simply intended to pay Lady Ning Qing a visit with this beggarly appearance?
Was this not testing the patience of other people? Was he really that eager to court his doom?
"Go get prepared. If he doesn't die in the castle, when he comes back, feeling all dejected and crestfallen, we will behead him and never let him meet with the castellan again. That man is the bane of our Valley of Torn Gust."
"Yes!"
***
Yun Zhonghe, dressed in his beggar's outfit and sporting a head full of weedy hair, walked towards the castle.
When he was still a few dozen meters away, he was immediately made the target of dozens of crossbows.
"Where did this beggar come from? Scram!"
"If you still don't leave, I'm going to shoot. I'll shoot anything in sight."
Yun Zhonghe raised both hands high up in the air and said, "I'll just say one thing, just one thing."
Ning Que's expression changed, and she said in a cold voice, "You people of the Valley of Torn Gust, are you all really this stubborn? So eager to die?"
Yun Zhonghe raised both hands high and walked towards the main gate.
"Sister, I heard that Lady Ning Qing has a certain rule. Because she is extremely fond and prizes underachieving students, so long as anyone can write a poem that is impressive enough to touch her, that person can be granted an audience with her. Is that right?" Yun Zhonghe said.
"Yes," answered Ning Que, "but that is only for special occasions. Master will not be receiving any guests."
Yun Zhonghe said, "Then I shall also try my hand at writing a poem. When Lady Ning Qing sees this poem I've written, she will definitely meet me."
"Impossible," said Ning Que.
"If I never try, I'll never know," Yun Zhonghe said. "Can I have a piece of paper?"
Ning Que cast one look at the beggar and had only one thought on her mind. That was, to quickly send him away. But she did not want to ruin her master's reputation by giving others a chance to say that her master had ridden roughshod over a mere beggar.
So, she went to take a piece of paper, handed it to Yun Zhonghe, and asked, "Do you need a pen?"
Yun Zhonghe said, "No need. I brought mine."
He took out a worn-out writing brush tucked within his arms. The ink on it had long since dried, so he licked it with his tongue to wet it again.
Seeing this scene made Ning Que's hair stand on ends as she broke out into a cold sweat.
Then, Yun Zhonghe turned his back to her and said, "The poem I write is only meant for the eyes of Lady Ning Qing. No one else can read it."
Ning Que was even more convinced that this beggar in front of her was a nutcase.
Yun Zhonghe seemed to have a copious amount of thoughts flowing ceaselessly in his mind. Very quickly, he composed a poem. After carefully folding it, he handed it to Ning Que and said, "You must personally hand it to Lady Ning Qing. Don't ever sneak a look at it yourself."
Ning Que was filled with antipathy as she took the poem and walked into the castle.
Her master had made it very clear that if anyone had come with a poem, no matter how ludicrously or poorly written it was, it had to be delivered right to her hands.
***
On a couch inside the castle.
A mature and stunningly beautiful woman was lying on her side. Her body's curves were just like undulating rivers and mountains.
What a beautiful woman.
The key was the mature charm that she exuded, which was coupled with the aura of an intelligent and talented woman.
She was simply too charming.
And she was much older than Jing Zhongyue, so she also had a much fuller figure with curves that were incomparably alluring.
But for some reason, she kept her hair wrapped up in a silk scarf. This, in truth, kind of ruined her stunning beauty.
And there was also the smell of blood within the room.
The woman was Ning Qing, the most powerful and influential widow in the Land of No King, and a legendary talent.
The head of the investigation group of the Baronage Alliance.
At that time, there were thick piles of information by the side of the bed. Those were all detailed records about the war between the City of Autumn Waters and the Valley of Torn Gust.
There were also catalogs of geographical features of the two places, as well as battleground marks.
"Master, someone has come to deliver a poem. He said that, after reading this poem, you would definitely meet him," Ning Que said.
Ning Qing replied, "Oh, bring me the poem. As for the man, I'm definitely not going to meet him."
Ning Que handed over a piece of paper and said, "Master, this is written by a beggar. He turned up with an image that was really an unbearable sight to behold. I'm afraid this paper is not clean. Please be careful."
Ning Qing took the piece of paper and unfolded it with a slight sense of anticipation.
She wanted to see it. Exactly what kind of poem was it?
And it turned out, after just one look, she was completely dumbstruck.
Yun Zhonghe's poem was as follows:
Every month, a few days of intense abdominal pain.
Blood, an unending flow that dyed the dress red. You cannot meet anyone for half a month.
A head of hair, shedding every day, too embarrassed to see anyone.
Difficult troubles that you cannot voice, don't worry, the holy hand of gynecology is here to help.
Then, the poem ended.
However, there was a small line of words underneath the poem that read, "Lady Ning Qing, you're not sick, you've been poisoned!"
***


In the midst of an explosion of the X Psychiatric Hospital, Yun Zhonghe, the hospital director traveled back in time.  29 genius mental health patients' souls entered his brain, equipping him with 29 peculiar abilities. He joined the imperial intelligence agency and went undercover in the enemy state. Years have passed, if I don't resume my original identity, I would soon become the emperor of the enemy state!

'Singles' Day?'
Ye Lingchen was stunned momentarily. He looked at his phone, finally realizing that it was 11 November. The four eye-catching "ones" stood out like a sore thumb.
'It's already been a month since National Day celebrations?'
'No wonder.'
Singles' Day was also known as Un-single Day, an alternate form of Valentine's Day. Its popularity was on par, if not higher than Valentine's Day.
Ye Lingchen looked at the two boxes of love letters in front of him and could not help but shake his head with a bitter laugh. Having too many pursuers was quite troublesome in itself.
He randomly opened a few letters. Inside them were mostly words of affection and some confession poems with elegant handwriting. Some of the braver ones would even include their selfie in the letter.
"Ye'zi, can I borrow a few letters?" Little Gen asked Ye Lingchen out of the blue.
"What are you planning?"
"I plan to learn how to write a love letter and confess to a girl!" Little Gen was highly motivated. "I've decided that today I will say goodbye to my single life! I can no longer accept the fact that I'm a single dog!"
"Ye'zi, lend me a few too!" Xiang interjected as well.
"You're planning to write love letters too?" Ye Lingchen asked out of curiosity.
"I want to take a picture and post it in Wechat moments, claiming that someone wrote me a love letter," replied Xiang in a creepy manner.
That move was even more despicable than Little Gen's, causing Ye Lingchen to roll his eyes immediately.
On this special day, regardless of gender, their hearts would begin to flutter. Apart from physical love letters, the internet was going wild with confession poems and confession prose. Everyone was either showing off their confessions or publicly displaying their affections for each other. Of course, there were also those publicizing their status as single, hoping to be approached.
On Weibo, some VIPs and celebrities were also taking this chance to get some popularity.
A well known male celebrity posted on Weibo, [I dare not self deprecate. Love to share the snow with thee, sharing the chalcedony. You, if this heart is unenlightened.][1] With that, he tagged his wife, and added one last line, [I wish all the lovers get married.]
[Ahhh, you're so heartwarming. Your wife must be really blessed.]
[This is an acrostic poem. The first word in each sentence would join together to say "I love you"! I love it!]
[Sob sob sob. All the singles suffered a critical hit from you guys. We now require a partner to resurrect us.]
…
Apart from that, some people had also written confession poems and published them online, bringing in lots of cheers.
Some confessed, with the comments flooded with support from the public to get together.
It was a very happening day. Countless people managed to confess using a comedic approach. Similarly, there were also countless people silently wounded, and could only laugh off the awkwardness by claiming it as a joke.
Very quickly, half a day's classes came to an end. Having nothing to do, Ye Lingchen headed over to Y Cosmetics.
It was a special day after all. He wondered how Zhang Yunxi was doing. As a boss, he should show more concern over his employees.
However, when he arrived at the doors of Y Cosmetics, he was dumbfounded. It took him a long while before he could confirm that it was his store.
There was a sea of people outside the door, which overflowed with customers. It was normal that business was booming, but the abnormal part was the cosmetic store's doors were filled with fresh flowers.
The majority of the flowers were roses, mostly red, and some white. They were all arranged nicely and placed in front of the cosmetic store.
'What's going on? Did the cosmetic store take up a side business selling flowers?'
As he approached, he noticed the flowers had cards attached to them. Most of them were, "Love you for ten thousand years", "Be XX's angel", "You're my everything", and so on. It was unbearably affectionate, causing goosebumps to appear all over Ye Lingchen's body.
Honk honk honk!
Right then, an electric bike stopped at the store's door. The driver shouted, "Boss, delivery for you!"
"Oh, I'm coming!" Zhang Yunxi's sound could be heard from within the store, followed by her taking quick strides outwards.
The delivery guy took out a magnificent bouquet of flowers and passed it to Zhang Yunxi. "This is your 99 roses. The other party asked me to pass you a message: I'll hold your hand and grow old with you. Please sign the delivery confirmation."
Zhang Yunxi helplessly received the item from the delivery guy,
"Yunxi," Ye Lingchen greeted with a smile as he walked over. However, his heart was spasming lightly. 
'Just what are these people? Trying to court our village belle with just some flowers and love letters? Hmph!'
He did not feel anything when he received love letters. However, when Ye Lingchen saw Zhang Yunxi receiving a mountain of gifts, he could not help but feel uneasy. 'These people are of ill intent. They're here to steal my girl!'
"Lingchen, when did you get here?"
Zhang Yunxi's eyes lit up when she saw Ye Lingchen.
"Let me help you keep the flowers." Ye Lingchen took over the flowers from Zhang Yunxi's hands.
"There are too many flowers. We don't have enough space in the store. Just put them all outside," Zhang Yunxi stated.
"Yunxi, you sure are popular." Ye Lingchen winked.
Zhang Yunxi looked at the flowers around her, then stuck her tongue out playfully. "These were sent over by some online friends."
"Are they all trying to court you?" Ye Lingchen asked.
Zhang Yunxi gave Ye Lingchen a charming smile. "Shouldn't be. I've not even met them before."
'Tch, you think I'll believe that?'
Seeing Zhang Yunxi's expression, Ye Lingchen pouted. He then started going off on those people, "How can these people be so half-hearted. Trying to confess without even meeting you in person? That's so typical of those people that only focus on looks. These people are unreliable!"
"Lingchen, why are you so agitated? Are you jealous?" Zhang Yunxi slowly walked closer to Ye Lingchen, her beautiful eyes staring at Ye Lingchen as she chuckled.
"Cough cough. I'm just worried about you. I'm afraid you might be tricked by these people." Ye Lingchen replied after a light coughing.
"It's because today is Singles' Day. It's normal to receive gifts." Zhang Yunxi then continued, "It's not just me. Miyako and the others working outside also received gifts."
'What?'
Ye Lingchen was shocked. These people targeted Miyako as well.
However, it made sense as he thought about it. Miyako was beautiful. It was only normal for her to be targeted by those single dogs online. 'Those animals are trying to get my whole store!'
"Singles' Day was meant for the single people. Why was it forcefully turned into Confession Day? This is straying off from its roots. What nonsense!" Ye Lingchen exclaimed furiously.
"Boss, your delivery is here!"
Right then, another delivery guy came by. This time, apart from the flowers, was another greeting card. 
The design of the card was elegant, with cartoon designs that resonated with a teenage girl's heart. It even came with its own music. With one look, one could tell that it was a popular type on Taobao.
(Only) Guests leaving for the blooming flowers.
(Wish) Longing for Spring to last.
(To) Birds singing and dancing to the warmth.
(Live) You transform into a misty charming river.
(Another) Going through the river of love once more.
(Day) Like the loving swans on the river
(For)Playing with water as it flows away.
(You) The heavens were heartless to keep us away[2]. 
Ye Lingchen took a glance and understood the situation, mumbling, "Hehe, acrostic poem."
Connecting this poem, it would read "Only wish to live another day for you."
Although he appeared calm and collected, he was cursing away in his heart. 'Jerk! Disgusting! I've never seen such a shameless person in my life!'
…
[1] This is an acrostic poem. We merged the second and third sentence together and did some awkward rephrasing of the words to use "I, Love, You" to start each sentence as the raw uses four words,  我喜欢你 (Wo Xi Huan Ni). Hopefully, that would keep it somewhat relevant to the raw in terms of the delivery of the poem. Thank you all for your support of this title. We love you =)
[2] Another acrostic poem. This time, due to the length, it was almost impossible to make those rearrangements so we decided to put it in this format. The words in the brackets are of the translated phrase made from the first words in each sentence. Please note that the order does not match each sentence.


Ye Lingchen was a regular high schooler who struggled with exams and expectations from his parents.
All that changed after he woke up from a strange dream and discovered that he had been granted the 'Prodigy System'. His life changed from this point on. Reading a book allowed him to learn its content immediately. Listening to lectures granted instant understanding of the lesson. Observation of a technique imprinted knowledge of the technique used.
Learning had never been so easy, and as the saying goes, knowledge is power. In this case, he now had access to a ton of unbridled power. 
What does it feel like to become a 'prodigy' overnight? Follow Ye Lingchen on this journey to discover the limitless possibilities...


••Jamal's POV••
'I won't repeat myself twice princess!! What are you doing outside!!'..I yelled with my eyes already blazing red in anger and when Leana kept mute I dragged her inside and pushed her against the wall...
'Just one command!! One command and you disobey me!!!'..
'I..I just went outside to view the village'..She said in tears..
'The next time you pull a stunt like that then I'll make sure I burn your skin with a hot spoon'..I warned and she plummeted to the ground...
'Tee-tee?? Tee-tee where are you??'..I asked looking around..
 'Tee-tee where are you??'..I asked and she sobbed lightly..
'He...'..Her voice trailed off as soon as a little hand wrapped its way around my legs..
'Yayii!!!'...TJ screamed and I carried him up in my arms..
'Miss me??'..I asked kissing his Chubby cheeks..
'Yayyi you beat Leaya'...He murmured and my eyes traveled back to the sobbing woman on the floor..
'She's not important to us Tee-Tee'..I replied and carried him to his room..
'But she is'..he whimpered against my shoulders and I stared back at her..
Kids..
What do they know??..
If only he knew that Leana's father was responsible for the reason he doesn't have a mother...
If he knew then he wouldn't say she's important to us...
••Leana's POV••
The bruise on my left arm grew bigger and I sniffed loudly limping slowly to my room...
He doesn't really hate me according to him—He loathes me.He loathes me with so much passion that he can't even bear the sight of me....
Why doesn't he just kill me??..
Why doesn't he just kill me and end the whole torture???..
Why doesn't he just kill me since he can't bear the sight of me..
My hands raked through my clothes which was already accumulating some speck of dusts and then when i found my eggnog colored dress I pulled out the card Ivan gave to me...
There was a special place for every card he gave...
__________________________________________
Stay strong during our times of peril.
   Stay strong and even though you can't i will.
   
   This card is just a reminder that I'll be with you forever..
  Whenever you need me I'll be here..
  Stay strong Leana..
   I love You..
         
                   Ivan Khal.
__________________________________________
He was always a wonderful poet..
Now i need his soothing words more than anything in this world..
He was always so compassionate and intelligent in dealing with people while Shadow is just a sneaky lying bastard who is two faced..
'Go to sleep'..I heard and jolted away from my clothes..
'What do you want??'..i asked Shadow who was clad in his black hooded assassin regalia and an axe hoarded over his shoulder...
'I want you to go to bed and watch over TJ for me'..He replied with his voice already hoarse...
'So you could what?? Go kill somebody??'..i retorted..
'You're not far from wrong princess,I'm actually going to assassinate someone now go to sleep and...'..His voice trailed off as soon as he saw the card in my hand..
'What's that??'..He asked..
'Nothing'..I replied and he snatched the card right off my thumbs..
He stared at the letter and then after a minute he crushed it to a small crumble and threw it back at me..
'He's a bad poet'..He murmured and I couldn't help but scoff...
'You're not only evil but jealous too'..
'Jealous?? Of your prince charming?? It's no use reading his love letters judging from the fact that you're already mine'...He said and my brows perked up...
'Yours?? Just because I married you or you married me doesn't make me yours!!! I despise you Shadow!!'..
'Say it again'..
'I despise you!!'..
'Say it again'..
'I despise you Shadow!! I despise you!!'..I screamed and he crouched down to where i was on the ground..
'That's good cause I despise you too but that doesn't Change the fact that you're mine Leana and thank your gods that you're not in my bed right now'..He whispered and rose up to his feet again..
His bed??..
What does he mean by his bed??..
••Ivan's POV••
The Next Morning⛅
.
.
.
I forced my way into the central market searching for Dagger,another bounty hunter and them someone tapped me from behind..
'You the prince??'..A man with a rugged haircut and dirty beard asked and I nodded gulping hard...
'I'm dagger who do you want me to find??'..He asked handing a liquor glass over to me and i shook my head..
'I want you to find the man who calls himself Shadow'..I muttered as my nose twitched at the stench of his canopy..
'Who?? Shadow??'..
'Yes shadow'..
'Ohhh sorry i can't help you with that'..
'Why??'...
'If Shadow was really a catchable person I would be a billionaire by now your Highness—He isn't someone you mess with...I...I'm sorry I have to go'..He said as fear danced in his eyes and walked away briskly..
Why does every bounty hunter keep telling me the same thing?!!..
Minutes later I walked back into my room angrily only to be shocked at the naked Nevida on my bed..
'What are you doing here?!! And where are your clothes?!'..I asked with my eyes widened already..
'Ohhh come off it Prince Ivan,your mother told me of how lonely and frustrated you are'..She replied...
'Leana is your best friend Nevida I thought you were emotional about always being left out I never thought you would...
'Shhh'..she whispered placing her lips on mine and instantly I pushed her away from me...
'Stop it!! Nevida just stop it!!!'...
••Leana's POV••
Shadow was yet to be back from wherever he came from and TJ was already asleep thus giving me free time to roam around the house....
A room with a boldly conscripted signboard 'SHADOW' on the door caught my eye and i walked towards it...
With a flick of the doorknob I walked inside and gasped seeing the tall shelves of books around the whole room...
Books about Egyptian theology,books about the wonders of the world,books about the King's tomb of Gaza...
Basically books about everything!!!...
With a swipe of my finger I collected dust from one of the books and then a card slipped out..
A poem was written..
A poem about pain and suffering...
__________________________________________
Pain..
  A feeling that is always vain..
Suffering..
 The pain I get whenever knowing that the void in my heart would never get filled..
   Even by killing..
 Laughter,joy,goosebumps and tears..
   I would love to have those genuine feelings again but I can't..
Why??..
   Because of pain and suffering...
__________________________________________
My hands shivered as the card dropped to the ground and I covered my mouth in tears..
He's just a man overcomed by pain and suffering..
'What are you doing here?!!'..i heard and turned around only to see him by the doorway with clenched fists and red angry eyes..
'I..I..I just came to cl..clean the..
'Get out!! Get out of here and give me that!!'..He yelled and yanked the car away from my hands as soon as he walked closer..
'I...I'm sorry I didn't know you also write poems'..I murmured and he threw me a haughty glare..
'No I don't write poems it's not mine'..He grunted under his breath...
'You don't have to lie I...
'Please get out of this room!!!'..He yelled pointing at the door which just slammed shut immediately..
I walked over and tried opening it but it wouldn't budge...
'It wouldn't open'..I said and he walked over..
'That's not possible the key is—Tee-tee!!!'..His yelled curtly knowing why the door would budge..
'Yayyi apologize'..TJ's little voice replied..
He's two years old how can he lock doors??..
Oh his father is an assassin...
'Terin Jamal open the open the door now!!!'..Shadow screamed but the little kid giggled..
'Yayyi just apologize'..He said and Shadow turn back to me..
'I guess we're stuck here then..I would never apologize to you'..He muttered and i gulped hard in fear..
'Tee-tee please open the door!!!'..

"…sitting behind is care, but no effort left is there to share."
                One of the girls the room definitely recites her poem the least emotion. That last line tells everything why. Almost eight students have been called in front, and so far, their language is flawless. Most of them must have been to a state of America or Australia, but the Asian accent still finds its way to be felt between their words. Everyone is expectant to be called as Mr. Hwang once again stands in the middle of the front aisle.
                "Thank you Karen. And for the last presenter, let's have…"
                I can feel his intention to call on me. The willingness in the faces of my classmates is not strong enough to overpower my intimidation to be called in front. And without a doubt…
                "Marcus, please recite to use your poem that we may have a glance of who you are."
                Everyone is, once again, clapping at this new student who is the most foreign of all. The mere minute left for me to write has not given me enough time to artfully word the obscurity of my gender.
                Amidst the overflowing fear to be hated, I stand before these new faces who have no clue who is about to speak to them. South Korea is known to be one of the most conservative nations of this modern world, and what I am about to tell them will definitely alter their view—and to which direction, I am not sure.
There is a heart that beats
Covered by skin and muscles inside my chest.
For all, it works to provide life.
For some, it pumps to keep themselves alive.
For few, it throbs for someone else's love.
For me, it beats under my chest
Still unsure of which it for exists.
                I anticipate my speech to end in silence, but the burst of applause tells me that they did not grasp the hidden message that lingers with those words. They may have been amazed by the integration of elements in writing a good literature, but their focus to that makes me upset because the essence of my poem has not been savored accordingly.
                Nonetheless, Mr. Hwang's eyes whisper a message of understanding and worry. This gesture explains how much competent he is for this subject because he has the ears and eyes to discern.
                I thank the bell for ringing right on time. With that, I have a plausible reason to escape from the hook of everyone's attention. I rush to grab my things from my seat and pretend to take my time putting them back to my bag. I should feign being slow to buy them time to leave the room.
                "Marcus, your poem is substantial and creative." Mr. Hwang compliments when everyone has left the room except me.
                "Inside you is a poet whose composition is destined to be heard. To be written in just few minutes, your poem is just great."
                "…and brave." A third person's voice cuts my conversation with Mr. Hwang.
                His subtle movements make I and Mr. Hwang believe we were alone in the room. Nonetheless, there sits the tall guy whose desk is opposite of mine. But the growing pace of my heartbeat is not caused by his presence, I assessed. It is his comment which rushes the rhythm of my breathing.
                I know I am required to give the next comment, but there is nothing in my mind now that I can grasp to tell. Good thing the tall guy leaves the room right after he feels the awkward atmosphere.
                
                In all the classes I have for this day, that last class is the most memorable. By that, I mean, a bittersweet-kind of memory. Until now, my thoughts are hovering around the quick comments I received from being myself. I wonder how bare that line was.
       Still unsure of which it for exists.
                It can mean "unsure" of which person it is existing for. It can be that girl who attended the same school as I back in elementary, or that other girl who lives next to us back in the Philippines. However it can mean, I know in myself that it means it is unsure whether a man or woman it exists for… and two of the people in that room understood what I meant. Mr. Hwang's reaction has an embrace of encouragement, while that guy's comment does not clearly reveal anything at all. And that mere thing makes it even worse to think about.
                The depth of my introspection allows me to reach the dormitory unwittingly. There I stand in front of the door to room 408, thanks to that other guy in the elevator for assisting me find the place faster.
                On that door, there is my name and someone named "Kim Seung Min". He clearly is Korean, I thought. My roommate, I hope, is the best person I will ever meet in this country.
I tap the card that guy handed me in class. The door produces some sound which tells me it is unlocking. I clutch the knob. The room is more stunning than I expected! It is bright and very conducive for learning and writing those masterpieces I am about to create.
I remove my shoes before entering the bedroom proper as Korean culture has taught me. I caress most of the furniture in the room, and the mere touch of them shows me "heaven"!
I have never lived in this kind of luxurious room! I sniff the luxurious air that lingers inside my new room for almost a year. The scent is so aromatic that my eyes unconsciously closed themselves to heighten the moment's feeling. But that grand moment is snipped by the opening of the bathroom door.
Surprisingly, it is that tall guy in the classroom.
More surprisingly, he seems to know I am his roommate and my presence does not seem to bother him at all.
And Most surprisingly, he is not wearing anything at all!
                Let me correct myself. He is wearing his nude boxers. Sorry for the wrong info.

In that land he barely knew, he convinced himself to dare to play the most dangerous game. It is either he falls or he fails. Love just cant be won over.

"Alpha, we have disposed of the bodies. Shall we commence the second part of the cleaner protocol?"


"Affirmative. Keep the disguises for one month and stage your deaths in a collective group outing. This should be enough."


The corpses had become ashes in mere moments. The homunculi did not feel anything warm towards the men that they had just mercilessly killed, instead they felt like they had just ridden themselves of dirty bugs. 


To make sure no fallout is caused by the incident, the homunculi followed Tanya's protocols; destroying the bodies and posing as the deceased people until they eventually stage their deaths in completely in a way that is unrelated to this matter. As such, no one would be the wiser.


"Master is indeed a genius. With this, no harm should befall this kingdom so long as we play our parts properly." Alpha grinned as she looked towards the scattered ashes intermixing with the dirt on the ground.


"Indeed. She has a plan for so many situations. I do not believe there will be a time when we will not know what to do." A homunculi affirmed.


Meanwhile, the party had returned to normal. Tanya and the girls found themselves a cozy corner with a nice round table and enough seats for all of them. They all sat down before a waiter came around with a platter of drinks. 


Tanya chose to have a fine red wine, which influenced many of the girls to do the exact same. Penelope and Rose decided to try out white wine, being the only two that did not choose the same drinks as Tanya.


This was for good reason too.


SLURP


"Ah! That is one spicy drink! I love it! It is so amaaaaazing! Great! The best stuff I have ever drank- remember that time we peaked on Tanya when she was in the bathroooooommm~? That was such a great view… I think I accidentally drooled all over your shoulder… my my… what am I thinking…?" Diana's cheeks were red and her movements began slowing down. The heat all over her body felt so good but she just couldn't think straight in the moment. It was as if something in the air had changed for her, it was just so good.


"..." Penelope and Rose took a sip of their drinks, staring plain-faced at the girls as they drank the red wine.


BLURP


"Oh dear… Did I really just do that? I must apologise… I don't know what is coming over me right now…" Yuna fanned her face with her hands, her forehead wet from the heat and her body burning up. She immediately turned to Tanya with longing eyes, burning with passion.


"My Lady… has anyone ever told you how delightful you are? You are so beautiful that I don't believe I can go back to liking men! And you are just so amazing… Tanya…" 


'Is she trying to do an impression of me?' Tanya smiled but seemed somewhat insulted. She did not think Yuna thought so little of her flirtation skills! This was just too much of a blow to Tanya's pride.


"No no no… that is not how you do it." Tanya's scolding knocked a bit of sense into Yuna, but she still did not have enough time to react to what Tanya was about to do next.


"My lady, I feel as though your eyes are gemstones and I am an amateur appraiser. As deep as my knowledge should be on your flaws and shortcomings, I feel as though you are perfect and spectacularly beautiful. But who am I to judge what is worth more than my skills? Clearly you are a perfect gem, uncut, without needing refinement." Her words were like a soothing song to Yuna's ears, enough for her to blush brighter than what the alcohol had done.


However, there was more than just Yuna and Diana that had drank the wine.


"Tanya~! Give me a headpat! I want it right now!" Yuri leapt onto Tanya's lap and firmly planted herself on top of her. Yuri seemed ina daze as she banged her forearms onto Tanya's shoulders with a passion, unable to stop herself. 


"I WANT IT~!" Yuri began crying and eventually fell asleep while sitting on Tanya's lap, leaning herself onto Tanya's shoulder like a baby.


"Fufu… this much wine won't make me break! I am fearless! I am powerful! I am a master of the sword! I cannot be beaten by the likes of this wine glass! Haha! WOOHOO!" Erina jumped onto top of the table and began swinging her cup around in the air. Although the room was already loud, one could not help but glance over towards the loudest drunk in the room.


"I am a sword master! I am eternal! I am so powerful I can subdue Tanya and have her in my bed! I am so strong I can do Tanya for 10 hours straight! My sword skills are unmatchable! Haha! Tanya, look at me now! I am amazing! Notice me!" 


"..." Tanya could not help but feel a little disappointed again. She patted the sleeping Yuri with a deadpan face, watching as the rest of the girls drank wine which was clearly too powerful for them.


'This is why you do not go with the crowd' Tanya sighed.


"Ugh… this stuff is really strong… I did not think that this wine would make me feel so hot… it's like a flame was lit in my belly, neck and head, not cooling off no matter how much water I down…" Serena slouched back onto her chair and faced Tanya.


'At least she is taking the wine better-'


"Tanya, I've been thinking about this for quite some time… I have even prepared a poem which I wrote after studying under a legendary poet. I did this all for you… I wanted you to know that I am indeed sorry for not being the one to c9me back for you after you saved everyone in the academy…" Serena became sluggish in her movements, drawing a card from her handbag, handing it over to Tanya.


'50% off next love fortune-telling?' Tanya scratched her head.


"Ah! Wrong one! WRONG ONE!" Serena snatched the card away and decided to say the poem by mouth instead.


"Oh Tanya, Tanya…"


BURP


"I think I forgot the rest of the verses…" 


"..."


"I guess I will just improvise…" Serena took a deep breath and went back to her poem.


"O Tanya, Tanya. Kiss me and make me yours. Hold me tighter than your pillow. Love me like I am your dear. Swallow me in your warmth. Shower me with your affections. Ride me like a horse… Deflower me into a Vermillion…" Serena gradually dropped her shoulders onto the table and closed her eyes as she finally fell asleep.


"..."


'I did not expect those thoughts and desires from Serena of all people… out of everyone here, I thought she would be one of the most mature and prudish.' Tanya's image of the crown princess was shattered with the last two sentences of Serena's poem.


"My my… how are you not heating up like a flame right now?" Rose chuckled, patting Tanya on the shoulder while looking around the messy table.


"vermillion flame wine is not something that would make me drunk. It is a custom to have this drink on your birthdays in my household. Considering my family has a very good tolerance to alcohol, this much wine will not be able to affect me at all. Besides, a third ascension being like myself won't suffer adverse effects from such soft wines like these." Tanya scoffed, not even looking at the wine that had knocked out the girls.


"Pfft… Yep, vermillion flame wine won't do anything to Tanya, but heaven's embrace wine will definitely have an effect." Penelope snicker, unable to keep it in her.


"!!!" Tanya immediately looked at the glass. It was empty. She had drunk all of the contents.


"Both of those wines have the exact same taste and the exact same feel. You should be feeling the heat just about now…" 


'You win this round.' Tanya bit her lip as she began burning up.


"The burn will go away in a few hours, enough time for us to 'you know'." Penelope grinned at Tanya warmly. The wine she had just given to Tanya was something used for lovers, and would lose effect after a round with someone she loves.


"Penny…! Dammit!"


'Using purification magic would put even more attention on myself! It produces too much light! I have to suck it up!' 


"Or you could hold it in… you look really cute when your face is flushed and you are wet all over…" Penelope could not help but lick her lips as she stared at the woman that she had bedded many times over.


"Penelope, what happened to no drugs?" Rose smirked, punching Penelope on the arm in a friendly manner.


"Drugs? That's no drug, it is a fine top quality wine. It is perfectly normal and can be bought anywhere."


Somewhere in the capital, some old ladies were laughing deviously.


“My plan to take the throne? Flushed down the toilet.”

“The life which I worked so hard to build? Lost by probability.”

“Penis? Gone for good.”

Tane Vermillion died in an unexpected accident, ending his bid for the eternal throne. All of his efforts had become neutered by simple accident. However, fate brought him elsewhere.

“A handsome fiancé that is the crown prince? Whatever. I was more handsome and my sword was much more skilful.”

“A heroine saintess that is being harassed by all of the so called handsome men? STOP RIGHT THERE YOU THUGS!”

But here’s the silver lining, who said the villainess would fall for a man?

1 extra chapter on following weekend if book stays at within top 100 for the week.
2 extra chapters if the book stays in top 50.
3 extra chapters if the book somehow stays in top 10 if it ever happens.

https://discord.gg/FTGcHkH

The Earth is there for each and every Individual to live on it without anyone's decision .Everyone have a choice on how to live his or her own life on Earth . No one owns other person's brain but people turn to control each other on how to do things , taking decisions and blackmailing choices are the ones that dominates towards people's lives . My life was stagnant after I had that dream I never thought that would come back , those words kept on playing in my mind every single day and they acted as an advise that keeps me studying and working hard . It was threatening me at the same time because I would study even when I'm not interested on studying that day, forcing myself to study made me to become stressful because my brain was already fed with lot of unnecessary information. 
Wednesday morning I woke up with her words that she once said to me when I asked her what does she like the most on Earth ,she said " I like nature" . These words made me to go out side after waking up around 05h30 am and it's summer the sun rose up shinning , I got back inside and took my Secrete book where I write my poems then I went straight to the forest and arrived around 06h00 am . I started looking around and I saw nature expressing it's self towards me ,then I wrote a poem called The Beauty of Nature this poem was talking about how nature works and recycle itself. The beauty of nature is natural. According to it's definition, nature are all plants, animals and things that exist on earth that's are not made by human beings . It can be living things or non living things but most of the people believe that nature isn't alive . Well nature is alive and responsible for every living thing that occupies space on earth, the rain is natural and responsible for cooling down of temperatures globally and responsible for the growth of the plants as they need water to grow up.The sun is responsible for warming up of temperatures as human being to get warmer, plants needs it for photosynthesis and animals for isolation .This poem describes the recycling done by nature .
TheBeautyOfNature 
By Simphiwe Mashinini 
The morning light is natural,
Sun's rising upon the mountains,
Blowing it rays to the surface of the oceans,
Ocean are warmed up like a baby's basin with warm water,
Evaporation is brought to bless with rain.
The sun is shinning upon the earth's surface,
Flowers with smile on their faces ,
Water splesh! pollen grains delivered to a stigma,
Style is ready to receive pollen grains ,
Ovum is ready, awaiting for pollinating urgent,
Pollinating urgent brings fertilisation .
The sunsets, it's a night shift for stars,
Sunsets for the stars to avail their shinning pattern,
Pattern covered by a dark blue sky,
The moon with bright smile,
The bully is gone,
It's a day off for day shift birds,
It a night on for night shift bats.
This poem gave me hard time and I had to believe that all her words are meaningful , that simply means even the dream I had it was not just a dream but she said it before I had that dream and it's meaningful too. The only imaginations that came to my mind was that if ever I fail my matric , I'll also fail her.  This was the choice made by her parents so she got no chance to date me while I don't have any matric certificate with an admission to bachelor degree. The number of my classmates started to decrease on cross night sessions, more learners became absent ,others gave up because they couldnt fave the challenge they stated that its too late fof them to catch up, they said say it won't work anymore . Others stated their reasons that they can't cope at night because they're falling asleep on cross night so they don't see any change , it's the same as their home environment the one with comfort zone. Some said that they can't study for a long time as their brain can only interpret for 2 hours, if that time is exceeded then it's more like they are cramming and they're no longer study because they'll wake up with everything wiped out of their brains. This leaded to a decrease of 3 learners left it was only my friends and I.  They also doubted to attend as we saw that they were using us as their scapegoat then they leave us behind . We decided that we will study individually at our homes and we did as we pleased but I had a problem when it comes  to study at home. My family always make noise with TV so I couldn't cope properly , the only time which is a good time for me to study at home it was afternoon but during that time I'm at school. This made me to end up taking a decision of doing cross nights alone. I didn't want to lose her so I had to sacrifice not to sleep but to keep on studying hard. The main thing that made me to be afraid was that I wasn't that smart , I was not intelligent but I was a hard worker. There are more possibilities for me to fail if I'm not working hard.
It's Thursday night and tomorrow we're writing mathematics paper 1, I was glad that I'm ready for the paper , what I knew was that I don't have to be afraid and I don't have to be over excited during examination session , it might lead to losing focus and misleading the numbering system of a question paper. I knew that I don't have to study a day before writing because the brain needs to relax , so I went to sleep early that night. (A day after) it's Monday morning while I'm preparing myself to school , I planned to be neat today as I pulled of my blazer written Asser Maloka Secondary school , under neath  I was wearing a white half jesery then a grey trouser with black school shoes . Immediately after having break fast I took my bentex with examination rules, pencil, ruler, a blue pen, a calculator , a timetable and my Identity card inside thereafter I went to school. I arrived at school around 07h30 am and I saw my maths teacher ,she told me that I should do my best and keep calm , I took it as a blessing and went to greet my friends. (They were discussing with the possible sums that may come out) "Good morning everyone " . "Hey broh , today you arrived a bit late showing that you're ready there's nothing to prepare ,huh" Kabelo said. (Laughing out loud) " No broh not at all I was busy with something at home so that's why I'm a bit late" I replied. "Hey Simphiwe , they're disagreeing with me here about geometry of circles, isn't true that when you want to prove that two circles are equal you must first prove that their radius are equal?" Mlando questioned. ( Feeling exhausted) "Yeah it true, but guys stop discussing with the paper because you're confusing what others has already studied and you can't predict the paper especially maths paper" I said. The principal came by and told us we should get inside the examination room as it was already 08h00 am . They started by setting off our tables accordingly then we settled down according to our examination numbering system. Mr Nzolo was my teacher of social sciences in grade 9 , he came in as our invigilator for our first paper Mathematics . He started by checking our identity cards and rules , he that started to read the rules for us. " Umm good morning learners may we please be quiet so we can start reading the rules. The rules are as follows, you must provide your ID(identity card) as well as your examination rules, secondly you must be seated for atleast an hour after the start of examination centre , you must not have any piece of paper except for the ones issued by an invigilator, you must not bring in a electronic devices such as cellphone, iPod, headset or earset and ect..." he read the rules until rule numbet 20 then we started off writing at 09h00 for 3 hours. After the examination process we went out and noticed that the paper was fair enough, although I couldn't finish in time but I hope that I did exceed 100 marks, the paper it was out of 150 marks. We wrote other papers and I had similar feeling in all the papers I wrote, I just had a problem on English paper only and it was the last paper. Everyone was happy  we're done writing , we then took many photos together as classmates and wrote our white school t-shirts with black marker representing that we are done with high school. The only thing that was left to receive our results , they're going  be issued on January next year on the 6th


The book emphasis the feelings of a young man who love his girlfriend and still wishing to be with her in future,so he called this book "Destiny to heaven".
Destiny to heaven describes the journey that they will both sacrifice to take together until they are separated by death . A destiny to heaven is more likely to have challenges that might twist your mind and faith until you lose your way to reach your destiny . The love can be expressed in different ways including feelings,but fake feelings easily fade up, because they lack trust and believe. This book gives clarity about true love, trustworthy, honesty and loyalty .

Theme
The speaker used first narrative which rises the appeal of emphasizing his feelings ,thoughts and imaginations.

Gun-Ho placed well-cooked pork belly meat in front of Young-Eun.
"Eat more. We are almost done with the wedding preparation. Let's celebrate it."
"Oppa, you eat more too."
After drinking two glasses of soju in a row, Gun-Ho asked, "Young-Eun, why don't you drink one glass of soju?"
Gun-Ho filled up an empty glass with soju and gave it to Young-Eun.
"Did you choose the officiator for our wedding?"
"Yeah, I did. Minister Jin-Woo Lee of xxx will preside over our wedding."
"Oh, I think I heard of his name before."
"He seems to like golfing. After the wedding, I will invite him to have a round of golf."
 
"Do you play golf, oppa?"
"Of course. I learned it because it helps my business. What about you, Young-Eun?"
"I have never touched golf clubs before."
"I will teach you later."
"No, thank you. I think playing golf is an extravagant hobby."
"I saw many medical doctors playing golf."
"Not me. It's not appealing to me."
"What kind of activities do you like then?"
"You know what I like."
"I do?"
"Yeah. Taking a walk around the Fortress Wall of Seoul."
"Haha. That's right. I know that very well. Let's bottom-up."
Gun-Ho clinked his glass to Young-Eun's.
"For our future together!"
 
The pork belly dish was delicious. Gun-Ho ordered more of them. When they finished a bottle of soju, both Gun-Ho and Young-Eun blushed.
They walked out of the restaurant and started taking a walk on the street. Young-Eun held Gun-Ho's arm.
"Let's walk until we see Gilsangsa Temple."
"Sure."
While they were walking arm in arm in the direction to Gilsangsa Temple, Gun-Ho looked at Young-Eun's face. It seemed that soju caused a flush on her face. Her cheeks were all red, which made her look even prettier.
"You look gorgeous with a blush."
Young-Eun laughed and hit Gun-Ho in the shoulder lightly.
 
When they arrived at Gilsangsa Temple, Young-Eun looked at Gun-Ho's face and said, "You know, the bar owner— Young-Han Kim, who donated the bar which is now Gilsangsa to the temple, couldn't forget the poet— Baek Seok— for the rest of her life."
"Hmm."
"Their love story is on the Internet. The young Bae Seok gave a name to the bar owner 'Ja-Yah.'"
"Ja-Yah? That's one of Mao Dun's novels, the Chinese writer."
"The Poet Baek Soek's famous poem— Me, Natasha and a white donkey— is a story about that bar owner. Natasha is the lady bar owner."
Young-Eun then started reciting the poem.
 
"Me, the poor man / Love the beautiful Natasha / And tonight, the snow falls softly…" 
"It's nice."
"As I'm dating you lately, I changed the poem's lyrics a bit.
"How?"
"Me, the rich man / Love not so beautiful Natasha / And tonight, the snow falls softly…"
After giving her own version of the poem, Young-Eun laughed out loudly.
 
Gun-Ho and Young-Eun turned around and walked down to Starbucks near the Hansung University station.
"Let's have some coffee."
The two sat in a window seat.
"You sobered up, don't you? Your face is not red anymore."
"You look fine now too."
"After we get married, move into my condo in TowerPalace, Dogok Town."
"Umm… the condo is really nice and all, but it's too far from my work."
"I will give you a ride from and to your work with my car every day."
"I will stay in my Anam Condo In Myeongryoon Town during weekdays and go to your TowerPalace condo for weekends."
"Then we will live together only for weekends."
"That's the best arrangement I can think of for now."
"I can move to your area."
"To my area? There is no luxurious condo in my area."
"Why don't you move your work to Gangnam District then? I will build a hospital for you."
 
Young-Eun laughed out loud and said, "You have no idea how much it would cost to build a hospital, especially in Gangnam District."
"How much would it cost?"
"I have an educated estimate because one of my senior colleagues opened his hospital in Yeongdeungpo District with a loan from a bank. I think you need at least 1 billion won to open one in Gangnam District."
"1 billion won? Sure, I will do it for you."
Young-Eun's eyes widened and looked at Gun-Ho.
"Are you serious?"
"Of course. I don't make a joke with money. I am wealthy enough to give you that much."
Young-Eun's eyes widened again while looking at Gun-Ho, and then she smiled.
"I do appreciate your offer, but not now."
"Why not?"
"I can't just open my own practice now. I need to gain more experience. I lack clinical experience. Let's just live together only for weekends for a while after the wedding."
"I will let you use the master bedroom in the TowerPalace condo. You probably need more space than me considering that we will have a child later. I can use another room. It's large enough for me."
"Thank you."
"I will redo the wallpaper before the wedding date."
"They looked fine. I don't think it is necessary."
"Still I want to do it. We start our life together fresh."
"Haha. Okay then."
 
Gun-Ho was sitting in his office in the GH Building in Sinsa Town when President Jeong-Sook Shin came to visit him.
"President Shin, how are you? How's your business?"
"We've printed up to the 20th book of the world history cartoon series. And we just made a contract with the agency for an additional five books."
"Mr. Jae-Sik Moon highly spoke of you about your good eyes in selecting a good book."
"Haha. I'm just doing my best. How's President Jae-Sik Moon doing these days?"
"GH Logistics, that President Jae-Sik Moon is running, is going in the direction of a total transportation service company. The company acquired a new location in Seonghwan Town and moved its main office there from Paju City. The Paju location is now handled by one worker."
"The factory in Seonghwan Town is purchased as well?"
"Yes, we bought it. It's not a huge factory though. Since it's not a manufacturing company, it looks more like a storage or garage rather than a factory. It cost me 2 billion won."
"2 billion won?"
President Shin's eyes widened in surprise for the fact that Gun-Ho could afford to pay 2 billion won without any difficulty.
"You are an incredible man as always."
"The factory looked small for the business, so I bought adjacent land which is 1,500 pyung large. It had been used as farmland, and President Moon will change the land use so he can use it as part of the factory. Once the land use change is completed, the entire property for the business will be 2,500 pyung large. The factory will look great then."
"I guess I will take a tour there someday."
"Sure."
 
"Your wedding will be held on March 18th, right?"
"Yes. I'm finally getting married with the help of people around me."
"Well, it wouldn't have come this far if you and the bride didn't hit it off. Congratulations."
"After the wedding, I want to invite you and Artist Choi to a nice dinner."
"Young-Eun is a decent girl. Make her feel that she is loved a lot."
"Don't worry about it."
"I'm currently working on the next art exhibition."
"Oh, you know what? I had a chance to take a lecture from a painter the other day."
"Who is it?"
"Gun-Ho took out a business card from his business card organizer.

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.

"T-tyler?" I speak, my voice cracking a little bit.
"Happy birthday! Welcome to adult hood." He says with a forced chuckle.
"Tyler? Is that really you?"
"The one and only." He replied tired. His voice sounded different. I'm pretty sure he looks a whole lot different.
"Oh my god, Tyler."
"Yeah?"
"Oh my god, where are you? Where have you been? How are you doing? Are you in college?" I asked all in a rush.
"Easy there tiger. I'm okay but I can't tell you where I am."
"Please come home." I pleaded.
"I can't." 
"Why?" I asked as a tear slips from my eye.
"I...." He paused. "I just can't okay." 
"But we need you. I need you.'' I tried to plead with him.
"I'm sorry Lee..... I.... I just can't anymore " He sighed. He sounded, he sounded really tired.
"Tyler."
"Oh and Lee, please don't call this number again, okay? Please don't." Before I could reply or say anything, he hung up on me.
I dialed his number again and again. But it wasn't going through. I could feel the tears building up and I so do not want to ruin my makeup.
 Before I could start crying, I heard a knock on the door and knowing it would be probably Trish, I gathered myself, picked up my things and walked to the door.
I opened the door to see Trish about knock again and her eyes widened.
"Oh my gosh Ash. You look beautiful." She exclaimed.
"Thanks." I say, trying my hardest to smile for her.
"I.Love.The.Dress. It's soooooo cute."
"Thanks." Now I'm truly smiling. "C'mon. We don't want to be late." I say as I come out and lock the door behind me. 
Trish is dressed in a backless sequin crop top, wide legs split pants and silver sequin heels. Her hair, packed in a high pony tail with black highlights added to it.
Her makeup is neutral, just like mine.
As we entered her, Trish handed me a card.
"You know who said I should give you this." 
"Really" I ask as she hands it over. 
"Yeah. Now let's go par-tay!!!" She shouts and drives.
While Trish was busy talking about her date with Caleb last night, I was reading the card she gave to me.
"Shower fake compliments
On you I will never
I'll impress you with
My honesty and condor
Treat you like a mere fling
I wouldn't dare to
Because the truth is
I genuinely like you."
"Okay now we are here!" Trish stated bringing me out of my small bubble world.
"Now let's go." I say unbuckling my belt and getting down.
Trish gives her key to a velvet and we walk towards the entrance.
Before we could enter, the bouncer named Steve, stopped us.
"You can't enter." He says sternly.
"What do you mean we can't enter." Trish speaks up.
"You can. But she can't " He says, pointing at me.
"And why can't she?" She speaks again.
"Because she doesn't have these." He hands me a tiara and a sash with the words "FINALLY AN ADULT!!!!" 
"Happy birthday." He says to me and I smile. 
"Thanks." I mutter and he steps aside.
"Why is it so dark in here?" I ask as we entered.
"Well, it's always dark in here." 
"Yeah but-" 
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!'' To say I'm shocked will be an ultimate understatement.
"Happy birthday Ashley." Trish whispers to me. In front of me stood my school mates, Emily, Mark, my dad, some other people I don't know before, and Christian. 
"Oh my god, you guys." I said referring to everyone but looking at Christian.
Emily walks up to me and gives me a hug. So I had to take my eyes off Christian.
"Happy birthday honey." She smiles at me and hands me a small wrapped box.
"Thanks. You didn't have to do this." I say but she just shrugs. I open the box to see a gold Rolex watch in it.
"It's from both of us." Mark chimed in and I look up to see Emily elbow Mark.
"Yeah right." She mutters.
"Thanks guys." I hugged them but tightly.
"I don't think this is our kind of party, so we will leave it to you guys." Emily stated when I released them and they left.
"I look to where Christian was before but he wasn't there anymore. As I was about to go look for him, my dad walked up to me.
"Hey dad." I hug him. "Thanks for being here." I mutter and he chuckles. 
"How can I not be at my daughter's 18th." 
"Is mum here too?" I ask with a glint of hope in my voice even though I already know the answer.
"I'm sorry kid."
"Oh." I say disappointed. "Tyler called." I changed the subject.
"He did?" My dad asks surprised. Really surprised.
Yeah. He did. To wish me a happy birthday." I added with a little smile.
"Really?" He asks and I nod. "You mean, Tyler. My own son Tyler, called you to wish you a happy birthday?" 
"Yeah dad, he did." I could tell he was happy 
"Then I haven't lost my son yet." He says with a full blown smile. "Listen kid. I have to go but I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" He adds with the smile still on his face.
"Sure thing dad. Thanks again " I say and he walks out.
I left the spot to go look for Christian and along the way, different people wished me. I looked and walked around for about an hour and still haven't found him.
How big is this place!!!
"Ashley!" I turn to see Kelvin walking towards me.
"Hey Kel." 
"Happy 18th." He says and hugs me. 
"Thanks Kelvin." 
 "So here's my gift to you." He hands me a piece of rolled piece of paper. I unrolled it and there layed a drawing of me. The exact shape of my face, my eye color, my eyes, my nose,everything.
"Wow Kelvin. It's wow. I didn't know you draw." 
"Yeah. It's kinda of my hidden talent." He smiles shyly. "So.. Do you like it?" 
"Like it? Kelvin are you kidding me, I love it. Thanks." I exclaimed and hugged him.
"I'm glad you do." He says when I pull away.
"So have you seen Christian anywhere?" I ask him and his smile falls a little.
"Yeah, I did a while ago at the bar and he said I should give you this " He brought out a card from his back pocket and hands it to me.
"Thanks. The bar you said?" I asked again but he just nods and walks away.
Weird.
I shrug off his weird behavior and read the card.
"What I feel right now
I've never felt before
What I see in you
I totally adore
What I want right now
Is you always by my side
If you feel the same way too
It'll be one of life's best ride."
I smile to myself and start to head towards the bar.
"Hey Ash! You've got to try this tortillas. It's.So.Damn.Good!" Trish slurped as soon as I got to the bar.
"Sure, but I think I want a tequila." I smile to the barman.
"Oooooohhhh. Getting brave now are we?" Trish asks with a smile.
"Yeah."
"Happy birthday." The bar man says as he passes me my drink. "And this is for you." He also passes me a card.
"Thanks." I muttered.
"Ooooohhhh, Christian has done it again. You know, when I saw him, he was looking so nervous and cute." Her eyes widened a bit. "Oh my god, I think I just called my brother cute. Eeeeeeewwwwww." She whined and I laughed.
"You said you saw Christian here?" I asked taking a shot of my drink and damn did it burn my throat. I signalled the bar man for another.
"Yeah. A minute ago with Caleb. They both walked off, leaving me alone." She sighs in deep thought and I use the chance to read the card.
"What I like about you the most
Is the way you walk 
The way you smile
When you begin to talk
What I admire about you the most 
Is the way you dress
Seeing the way you tuck your hair
Is a sight of pure happiness
There seems to be nothing
That I don't like about you."
"What number is that?" Trish asks, pointing to the card.
"16." I reply and take another shot of my drink.
"Almost there. C'mon let's go dance." Trish stands and pulls my arm towards the dance floor. We danced our butts off. I had a few people throwing me a  happy birthday here and there, but they didn't matter.
 Trish and I danced for about an hour before we settled at the bar and ordered cocktail margaritas.
A while later, I had to pee, so I excused myself and walked to the restroom. I was a little drunk, but still had my senses. I bumped into Caleb on the way to the restroom.
"So we meet again." I say and he chuckles.
"Drunk now, are we?" 
"Maybe. So where's Christian?" 
"Somewhere." He replies with a smile.
"Really? Are we going with that now?" He nods. "Excuse me would you?" I was about to walk off but he held my arm.
"Here." He hands me another card and walks away 
"Damn it. I wanted to be the one to walk away." I muttered to myself and read the card.
"When I saw you for the first time
I was head over heels
When we bumped into each other
I realized what my heart feels
When we exchanged numbers
All my wishes came through
When you read this poem
You'll realize how much I like you."
I don't exactly remember when we exchanged numbers, but this poem still made me smile.
I walked into the restroom to do my business, and when I got out to wash my hands, I met Lily.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the birthday girl." Lily seethed.
"What do you want?" I ask gently, not wanting a fight.
"What do I want? You little bitch know what I want!" You didn't listen did you? I told you to stay away from Christian, but you didn't listen. You do know he is not for you right?" She asks with a weird smile.
"It is me he's dating not you Lily. So that means he likes me and not you!" I shout but she just smiles.
"Darling. You are nothing but a fun stuff, a play thing for him and I have proof."
What.


(p.s cover's not mine. Credit to the artist.)

A broken home, a broken family, a broken heart..... That's what Ashley's life is right now...


When Ashley, a young 18 year old is going through a tough phase in her life, she seeks her boyfriend's attention, Dave but catches him sleeping with herpay worst enemy, Lily. She is a definition of broken....until the town's bad boy Christian comes into town to lay low but sees how broken she is and tries to help her..... or so she thinks....

Will he finally help her?


Or make her feel more broken??


A book filled with hurt,sorrow,dispair,secrets and of course whats a book without romance.

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