10 years ago they were lovers.
10 years later they are strangers.

'Did he just rip her mana core out of her body?' Lith asked, not believing his own eyes.
'Yes, I mean no.' Solus didn't know how to reply.
'Pick one, dammit!'
'No, he didn't. Her core was orange, not yellow. What's terrifying is that after locating the substance that generated the vortex, Manohar exploited its effects to move it all to the same spot before extracting it.
'What we have just seen was him collecting the vortex after enveloping it in several layers of life force and mana. The sphere is not her core, but it resembles it because it's made of that poor woman's life essences.'
"Did you just kill her?" Jirni had no idea what had happened, yet she knew that no matter what the answer was, she wasn't going to like it.
"Of course. Because of these stupid arrays, I couldn't store the sample inside my dimensional amulet. The next best thing was to collect the sample together with enough life force to prevent it from degrading, and that's what I did." Manohar shrugged.
"A sample of what?" Jirni asked.
"Good question. There was something inside her body that allowed her to absorb mana. That's why she could cast so many spells and why those like her die when struck by a spell. It's just mana poisoning." He explained.
"Was it really necessary to kill her? I was hoping to capture her alive and have her tell us how she gained her powers."
"It would have been a waste of time." Manohar objected. "Her body was about to collapse from mana overload. This way at least we obtained something more than the ramblings of dying woman."
"What if we arrived here earlier? Would you have been able to save her then?" She asked to both Manohar and Lith.
Lith shook his head. He had barely been able  to identify the presence of a foreign substance in the woman's system before almost collapsing.
"Not yet." Contrary to everyone's expectation, Manohar's usual unwavering confidence seemed to have taken a day off.
"I don't know if this is the result of a spell, an artifact, or alchemy." He said pointing at the glowing sphere floating above his left hand.
"What I'm certain of is that, after studying the sample, I'll be able to find a solution."
Lady Ernas sighed while looking at the remains of the burned building. They had risked so much and obtained scraps in return.
"Let's call it a day. You go back to the Association and find out what the heck we are dealing with. Until then, I'll instruct the city guards on how to deal with the 'made mages' in case another attack happens."
Lith, Tista, and Manohar did as instructed. With a new toy at hand, Manohar wouldn't leave his lab until he found a solution to the enigma. They spent the rest of the afternoon studying the sample.
There wasn't enough to conduct a complete analysis but what they found was disturbing at best. The magical components of the unknown substance were all too degraded to be recognized.
All but one.
A small piece of human tissue that was able to grow as long as it was able to feed on mana.
"Fascinating. This is indeed Forbidden Magic, just as I predicted." Manohar said while placing it inside a locked array isolating it from the world energy. The specimen was surrounded by mana crystals that would provide it enough energy to live, but not enough to grow.
"Please! You also said that it was about a cursed object. Whatever that is, it's not an object." Tista mocked him.
"Maybe I'm wrong." Manohar pronounced the last word as if it was the worst insult he had ever heard. "And maybe not. We'll resume tomorrow."
He would have liked to continue, but he couldn't afford to be late for curfew. Jirni didn't trust him enough to leave him unsupervised and alone with such a potentially dangerous specimen.
Once Tista and Lith left for dinner, he was forced to leave the lab as well.
"By the way, why you didn't buy a tent for your travels? That way you could always sleep, mana geyser or not. That or maybe you could make yourself an artifact." Tista asked.
"I wish it was that simple." Lith sighed.
"I'm paranoid, so forgive me if a wall made of cloth doesn't make me feel safe. I could set up an array, but my knowledge about non combat formations is limited. Even if I learned one, to make it last a whole night I would need a lot of mana crystals.
"Otherwise it would crumble after a few hits. Don't get me started about an artifact. The best I can do right now is replicating my own equipment. I lack the knowledge and the experience necessary to create such a thing.
"I might as well throw my money into the gutter. It would be much quicker and I'd obtain the same results."
"Do you think Kamila will be angry because of my babbling? I kind of messed up big time this morning."
"You sure did." Lith's tone turned sour.
After dinner, Tista went to sleep in her own room while Lith decided to stay up.
He was a bit worried since Kamila had yet to arrive and he knew that something was wrong. Even with all of Tista's blunders, Kamila had been too tense and distant compared to her usual self.
It was only an hour later that she finally returned to the hotel. Her smile was forced and she looked like she was close to exhaustion.
"Do you want to order something for dinner?" Lith had a vague idea about what was happening, but didn't want to pressure her to talk.
"Yes, please. I'm starving." She replied without looking him in the eyes.
They spent the time before and during her meal making small talk about how they had spent their day. Lith avoided mentioning the dead woman or the living tissue since the mood was already gloom as it was.
"I don't think there is a nice way to put this, so I'll just say it." Kamila said while Lith poured her a cup of tea. The nicer he was to her, the worse she felt.
I think we should slow things down a bit. Maybe take a bit of time to think about our relationship. Is that okay with you?" She said in one breath, trying to relieve the burden she felt oppressing her chest.
"Absolutely not." Lith blurted out a bit too fast for his own liking. "I mean, I'll respect whatever decision you'll take, but… why? Is it because of what Tista said?"
"No. Of course not." She chuckled while remembering that silly conversation. Both her smile and her laugh made Lith sigh in relief.
"Then why?"
"It's complicated." She had spent every minute she was away from her desk trying to make up her mind, but to no avail.
"Complicated as in 'I don't want to talk about it' or more like 'I don't know what to do'?" Lith hated riddles. He preferred to be blunt rather than to be left hanging.
"Both." Kamila replied not knowing what to say.


Derek McCoy was a man who spent his entire life facing adversity and injustice. After being forced to settle with surviving rather than living, he had finally found his place in the world, until everything was taken from him one last time. After losing his life to avenge his murdered brother, he reincarnates until he finds a world worth living in, a world filled with magic and monsters. Follow him along his journey, from grieving brother to alien soldier. From infant to Supreme Magus.

-------------------------------------------
Tags: Transmigration, Male MC, Western Fantasy
Schedule: 12 chapters/week (unless I'm ill or stuff happens)
Chapter Lenght: 1200 - 1400 words
Warning: The MC is not a hero nor an anti-hero. He is a broken, cynic and misanthropic person looking only for his own gain. If you are looking for a forgiving, nice, MC that goes around saving people in distress, this is not your cup of tea. Same if you want an unchanging MC with no character development.
--------------------------------------------
Support the Author:
https://ko-fi.com/legion20
https://paypal.me/Legion20
-------------------------------------------
Discord channel: https://discord.gg/Z5T7CBD
----------------------------------------
I don't own the cover but wasn't able to find the author.

Li Xiuying was in the office with Shen Xiaosi. 
She Xiaosi: "Dr Li, the parcel was delivered to Miss Jiang Huan's address yesterday. 40 minutes later a disgruntled male was seen leaving her apartment with the envelope in hand." 
Li Xiuying continued typing away on her computer without looking up: "Mmm"
Shen Xiaosi was surprised to see a small and slightly sinister smile on Li Xiuying's face. He blinked once and saw that she had her usually emotionless facial expressions. Shen Xiaosi thought 'Is my mind playing tricks? I should never go against Dr Li; even my own psych is warning me not to cross her."
Li Xiuying said coldly: "I've been changed to ED again?"
Shen Xiaosi: "Yes, unfortunately, they are down a consultant today. I've spoken to management and the rota coordinator and you will have your list from today moved to next Monday where you were previously scheduled to work in ED."
Li Xiuying frowned slightly. She was consistently doing more medicine than surgery. She didn't mind medicine but she preferred doing more practical things with her hand. That's why she enjoyed Surgery and anesthetics. She also liked the peace and quiet within theaters. She could focus on one patient at a time, there not a constant flurry of people asking her for things and needing advice. 
Li Xiuying: "I was promised at least a 4 to 3 ratio of theater time."
Shen Xiaosi: "I will call Director Qin today and query the rota."
Li Xiuying picked up her rucksack. She paused at the office door: "Room for teaching session?"
Shen Xiaosi: "I have booked a smaller room that can accommodate 30 people. I have also uploaded a digital register they can sign. I will have someone deliver the tablet before the session and collect if after. So people can have a record of the teaching in their portfolios."
Li Xiuying nodded and left.
She had finished changing into a set of black scrubs when she recieved a call. She looked at the screen and quirked a brow in surprise. 
Li Xiuying: "Hello."
Jiang Huan: "Hello Dr. Li, thank you for taking my call." 
Li Xiuying: "Mmm."
Jiang Huan: "I'm probably the last person you want to be hearing from right?"
Li Xiuying: "Not the last. On the list." She was on the list of people that she rather not talk to, but Jiang Huan was not a person of any significance.  Her presence was neither here nor there. 
Jiang Huan chuckled at Li Xiuying straightforwardness: "I'm about to board a flight to Japan. I think I need a fresh start, I want to be back with my family. I need to rebuild my life and myself."
Li Xiuiyng remained silent.
Jiang Huan gave a self-deprecating laugh: "Dr Li I want to apology to you for everything. I lost myself. I won't make excuses and I know my apology won't mean much to you. Everything I have said may just sound like empty words but I truly mean it. The veil has been removed from my eyes. I'm truly sorry."
Li Xiuying: "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything."
Jiang Huan sniffed a little: "I left my bottom line so far behind I can't even see where it is anymore."
Li Xiuying: "Good luck."
Jiang Huan sounded relieved and grateful: "Thank you." 
Li Xiuiyng put her phone in her pocket. She wouldn't make Jiang Huan's life difficult. Everything has already been paid back. For Jiang Huan, one moment of madness has caused a lifetime of regret. As long as Jiang Huan learns from this experience and never abandons her morals and ethics for fleeting emotions, she'll be fine.
Li Xiuying made her way to ED. She would contact the legal team later to tell them she has settled with Jiang Huan out of court. 
.....
Private school
Little 4th was in his class waiting for the teacher to resume her lesson. He was sat in the far left corner next to the window. His friends Gou Sheng sat to the right of him, Lee HuiQing sat in front of him and Jun Wen sat in front of Gou Sheng. 
Gou Sheng: "Zhen why are you so happy today?" 
Little 4th usually maintained a straight face when in public. He had picked up this habit from emulating his older brother Qin Song. It was only with those closest to him that he would reveal his emotions to. Additionally, they were able to pick up the subtle fluctuations of his emotion. 
Little 4th: "Meeting my big sister tomorrow for a picnic."
Lee HuiQing was confused: "Which th-ister[1]? The banthee[2]?" He had a slight lisp and because of this, he was incredibly selfconscious. He was always careful about which words he said and who he spoke around. 
Little 4th was disgusted at the thought of Zhou FengMian being his sister: "Not that play-doh auntie. My big sister YingYing. She's a surgeon, she can even diagnose food and speak french."
Jun Wen: "Is she the one who gave you the personalized stationery?"
Little 4th looked smug as he showed off his pen: "It's titanium." 
Gou Sheng loosened his necktie a little and stuffed a sweet into his mouth: "Which park are you going to?"
Little 4th: " The national park, near the flower entrance. My big sister is meeting me there at 2. She's prepared a picnic  for us and a surprise for me."
Gou Sheng: "I want to try picnic food. I want to go to."
Little 4th was about to refuse when his other two friends beat him to it. 
Lee HuiQing and Jun Wen both excitedly said: "I want to go!"
Gou Sheng said righteously: "Don't worry little 4th, we're coming along to sample the food to see if it's good enough, it's what brothers do."
Gou Sheng, Lee HuiQing and Jun Wen all started to discuss their outing to the park tomorrow. 
Little 4th face palmed then crossed his arms across his chest as he thought 'I shouldn't have told these third wheelers. They're worse than the 1000 watts light bulb.'
Teacher: "Okay class is resuming. Everyone, please pay attention today we will be analyzing a poem called 'The still Hummingbird.' Can anyone tell me why this title is particularly thought-provoking?"
Little 4th put his elbows on the desk and his head in his hands. 
....
Unity hospital 
Qin Jingfei sneezed: "Someone must be thinking about me." If she only knew that Little 4th had dubbed her the 1000 watt lightbulb, she wouldn't know whether to laugh or cry. 
Madame Qin: "Focus dear."
Qin Jingfei: "Auntie, I am the director of the hospital. I do have things I need to do."
Madame Qin: "Yes, Yes dear. You are very important."
Qin Jingfei gave up trying to persuade her auntie that she had important things to do. 
Madame Qin: "I'll be taking RuiRui to the park tomorrow with little 4th and I."
Qin Jingfei: "Sure, I'll get RuiRui prepared."
Madame Qin waved her hand in the air: "I've already told your husband. Let's talk about important matters that the director of Unity hospital should know. Tell me how these meetings between Song and Xiuying are going."
Qin Jingfei: " Auntie I'm not present when they have their meetings. I do know that they have met twice as I have a summary from their discussions. The next meeting is on Wednesday at 2:00."
Madame Qin shook her head in disappointment: "Jingfei I expected more from you." She stood elegantly leaving a gobsmacked and confused Qin Jingfei behind. 
Madame Qin glided out of the hospital thinking to herself: 'Hmmm so Qin Song asked his father about what little 4th is doing tomorrow. Perhaps if I go there and bring Jun too then we can look after the kids leaving Li Xiuiyng and Qin Song free. Hehe.'
Madame Qin sighed as she left the hospital: "I have to get rid of Zhou FengMian. Maybe a hitman?"
A passerby heard Madame Qin's words and stared at her in shock.
Madame Qin giggled: "Don't worry I'm only running through potential ideas." She had a quirky sense of humor and always enjoyed people's reactions. 
The passerby was left completely slack-jawed as he watched Madame Qin happily glide away. 
[1] sister
[2] banshee


Li Xiuying is the youngest surgeon the world has ever seen. 

Once upon a time, her work had meaning; to save lives. But soon surgery lost all of its meaning to her, she became an operating machine. She didn’t even meet the patient until they were unconscious on her surgical table like a piece of meat waiting to be carved. 

She neglected love, friendship, beauty, her health all to work tirelessly like a dog and continue to make her family happy. Even when she had no more left to give; they made sure she gave.

But betrayal came swiftly and suddenly and Li Xiuying met her untimely end at the hands of her most trusted and loves ones. 

All the world’s a stage and it seems it is not yet time for Li Xiuying to exit. She finds herself waking up in her bed, 8 years in the past.
 
She is granted a second chance at life.

............................................................................................

This is a slow romance novel 

The novel may have realistic elements but it is a Work of Fiction.

There will be medical cases and scenario's included due to the main character (Li Xiuying) being a doctor. I have tried my best to explain as much of the medical terminology as possible.

...........................................................................................

Lu Zhou went back to his dorm and washed his face before he laid down on his bed. He said in his heart "system space". When he opened his eyes, he was already in the pure white system space. 
[Congratulations, User, for completing the reward mission!]
[Mission completion details are as follows: Successfully published an SCI thesis. Final evaluation of task: None (no evaluation for reward mission)]
[Mission reward: 10,000 mathematics experience points. One lucky draw ticket (50% sample, 50% blueprint)]
10,000 mathematics experience points!
When Lu Zhou saw the number, he was floored.
How much experience did I get for my first thesis? I think I got 400 mathematics and 100 physics points. That's only 500 in total!
He finally understood why Professor Tang and Dean Qin paid so much attention to his thesis. The academic value of his thesis was indeed higher than his expectations.
Lu Zhou could not wait to open his characteristic panel.
Sure enough, his mathematics level was upgraded.
[
Core science:
A. Mathematics: Level 2 (2000/50000)
B. Physics: Level 1 (2100/10000)
C. Biochemistry: Level 0 (0/1000)
D. Engineering: Level 1 (0/10000)
E. Materials science: Level 0 (0/1000)
F. Energy science: Level 0 (0/1000)
G. Information science: Level 1 (100/1000)
General points: 1175
]
Level 2 mathematics!
When Lu Zhou saw the upgrade, he had an indescribable pleasant feeling. 
Of course, there was another pleasant thing waiting for him. 
Next was the really exciting lucky draw.
Lu Zhou saw the 50% sample and 50% blueprint probabilities and smiled in his heart.
This system had screwed me over so many times! This time, I'll finally get a good prize!
50%
He could not believe it.
There was no way he was going to get garbage!
"Spin!"
The wheel began to rotate at a rapid speed. 
"Stop!"
The wheel span for a couple more turns before it slowed down. 
[Congratulations, User, sample reward chosen.]
[Received: E-class physical strength enhanced needle (repair damaged cells, improve metabolism, boost immunity)]
Emm…
Seems average?
From the description, it seems to be some kind of health supplement?
Repair damaged cells, improve metabolism, and boost immunity… These seem pretty good. I've been grinding a lot, I should repair my body. But why do I feel like I got screwed again…
Oh well, at least it wasn't garbage.
Now I have to pick the next mission.
Lu Zhou reached out and selected the mission panel on the information screen. 
Three dialogs popped up. 
[
Mission1: Balanced development
Description: As a true genius, a comprehensive improvement of knowledge is a basic skill. Although mathematics is the foundation of science, science isn't just about mathematics. In order to advance the science and technological progress of mankind, please take biochemistry, materials science and energy science seriously. 
Requirements: Obtain achievement points (0/20) in the fields of biochemistry, materials science, and energy science. Achievement points can be obtained through subject competitions (1), participation in research projects (1-n), the publication of academic thesis (1-3), national research rewards (1-5), etc. 
Reward: Core subject experience points (achievement points * 300. One lucky draw ticket (90% garbage, 5% sample, 2% blueprint, 2% unlock a new technology branch)]
]
[
Mission 2: Start your career
Description: As a true genius, the achievement is not just in the academic field. For example, Watt, Siemens, Edison, Gates, Dean Kamen and so on. They may not be particularly prominent in their grades, but their contribution to the progress of civilization is undisputable. Humans are economic animals and the distribution of social resources are determined by the economy. A genius doesn't have to learn how to manage a business, but it's important to know how to turn your knowledge into a social resource that can be used…
Requirements: Have a net worth of 5 million RMB (only assets are calculated, liabilities are deducted, intangible assets not included.)
Reward: 5000 experience points toward any subjects. 500 general points. One lucky draw ticket (90% garbage, 10% sample)
]
[
Mission 3: Can I touch your trophy?
Description: As a true genius, one medal is not enough. Awards such as the Abel Prize, the Fields Medal, the Wolf Prize or even the second rate Cole Prize, the SASTRA Ramanujan Prize, the Chen Shengshen Mathematics Award, the Birkhoff Applied Mathematics Award, and the Royal Society's Tory Medal are undoubtedly the best proof of the abilities of a genius. 
Requirements: Obtain a mathematics award that is internationally recognized(competition awards is not allowed). 
Reward: 20-100K mathematics experience points. 1000 general points. One lucky draw ticket (100% blueprint)
]
As a real genius…
It seems that this system doesn't understand humans very well. It has a misunderstanding when it comes to geniuses…
Lu Zhou felt like he was already a genius, but according to the standards of the system, he would be an idiot. 
Lu Zhou resisted the urge to insult the system and focused his attention on the three missions.
"The Zhou's conjecture might not be able to win a world-class mathematics award, but I could earn a national award…"
When Lu Zhou saw the minimum 20,000 mathematics experience points that mission three had, he was excited. 
However, he had a concern. 
There was a very slow selection process for any mathematics award. Even if his contribution was recognized by the international academic community, it could take years before his medal could arrive in his hand. 
He could not delay his mission for years just for one award. Who knows how high the level of his mathematics could get within those years. 
Even though Lu Zhou was greedy, he was still logical.
As for mission one, it was also a bit awkward. 
He was engaged in mathematics. It made sense that he studied physics and information science as well. However, if he suddenly entered into biochemistry, materials science, and energy science, it might look a bit suspicious. 
Even if he put rationality aside and looked at it realistically, the three fields of biochemistry, materials, and energy were not easy to succeed in. The SCI thesis in these three areas was not like mathematics and computer science. He could not just write a sh*tty thesis and published it. 
Lu Zhou used to listen to a chemical genius who he met while working. That student did research and development of biological reagents, wrote SCI submissions, and even pointed out which laboratory the research was done, the chemicals used… In short, it was extremely cumbersome.
As for mission two…
If five million yuan was so easy to earn, everyone on this planet would be rich.
Lu Zhou calculated. If he wanted to earn five million yuan, he had to do 25,000 hours of tutoring - that would be 2.85 years of tutoring. 
Otherwise, he had to write more than 250 theses in the [ International Journal of Theoretical and Applied Mathematics]. 
There's no way.
Actually, there's one more way.
That is to sell my app or raise the value of it by financing…
Could I raise the value to five million?
Not gonna happen.
Opening VIPs accounts to users and classify it before advertising to them. Anyone can think of this. At most, it would decrease my losses. Any app (other than mobile games) are basically money losers in the early days of development. They don't make a profit until they take over a significant portion of the market.
This was called "strategic loss". It used the economics of scales to operate by betting on the future. 
This was a common sense amongst the tech industry. 
However, the road to financing was not that good. Until now, not a single company had offered to finance his app. Obviously, no one was optimistic about his Campus Train app. No one was interested in his hundreds of thousands of inactive users. 
The missions are getting more and more difficult…
Lu Zhou stared at the semi-transparent holographic screen as he bit his lower lip and frowned.
"Which mission should I pick?"


After suffering from a heat stroke while working under the scorching heat of summer, Lu Zhou, a hardworking but poor university student, somehow becomes the owner of an advanced technological system. With the cheat given by the system, his university life changes overnight. 
  
A Master's degree? Easy. 
  
PhD? Not a problem.   
  
From a nobody, he quickly becomes a huge celebrity in the world of science. With the missions given by the system, he is on his way to winning a Nobel Prize.   

"System, can points be exchanged for money?"
  
"No."
  
"F**k, what use are you then!?"
  
"This system will make you the ultimate scholar, the kind that lords over all of humanity. What use will money be to you?"

436th cycle, solaris 2173 of the Federation

We made contact. The signal we sent six solaris ago was received by a distant planet in Sector 94b. I knew it. We are not alone. What a great moment this is. All of Cree should rejoice. We are not alone in the cosmos. Reaguth was correct in his theories. Sadly he won't see the fruits of his work. But I will take on his work. And once I become the head of the Observatory, I will push for further contact with our neighbors in 94b. 

***

21st cycle, solaris 2179 of the Federation

They name themselves as humans. Strange name. Anyway I convinced Grand Observer Derth to fund the upgrade of the antennae. Reaguth would have been glad if he saw the developments for the past solaris. 

***

29th cycle, solaris 2180 of the Federation

The humans are asking if we have thorium. They are offering a permanent trade agreement for the stuff. I don't know what thorium is though. Nobody does. They are dispatching a sample and soon we will find out. 

In other news, the maintenance department is idling again. Thirty antennae need repair, six satellites were broken by the last great storm and yet just the other cycle I saw them playing with skalers. I will advocate for their replacement in the project.

***

312th cycle, solaris 2183 of the Federation

It turns out that the thing the humans call thorium is actually fretyline. The traditionals in the Council are adamant in trading our fretyline. I do understand their sentiments. Even an Observer like me still values tradition and faith. But the humans are offering technology in exchange for fratyline. I think that is a just trade.

***

213th cycle, solaris 2185 of the Federation

Grand Observer Belth. How does that sound? This recognition feels hollow without Reaguth though. This has been our dream ever since we were of tender age. No matter. I now have the authority to resume our contact with the humans.

The terraforming of Veliu would have to be put back. But I believe that we will reap more benefits in discoursing with our neighbors. We can't trade our fretyline but maybe they would want something else. 

***

412th cycle, solaris 2191 of the Federation

They have arrived. At long last, we made our first physical contact with our neighbors. Their ships are advanced, powered by fretyline. The humans themselves are larger than us. I have so  many questions, enough to flood the cosmos. What is their planet like? Culture? History? What do they consume? Why don't they have fur? What's next? Should we make a joint exploration to the deepest recesses of the cosmos? Thinking about the knowledge we will accumulate thrills me without end. This is the beginning of a beautiful partnership.


*above is the transcription of what survived of a log found in a barren planet in Sector 215c

A book of random short stories of different genres.

There was a job posting site called WorkNet operated by the Department of Labor. Many people looked for a job on this site, so there were always lots of applicants for the job posted here.  Gun-Ho had been watching the job postings closely for a bookkeeper position, but he hadn't seen anything good yet.
"The statistics say ten people apply for one good open position. I will have no chance to get this kind of job. The employer will hire a woman; why would they hire a man like me over a woman?"
Gun-Ho diligently looked through the classified section in Gyocharo newspaper published twice a week.
"What? Hiring an unmarried and neat looking female bookkeeper?"
It was a job advertisement from a company in an industrial complex located in Uijeongbu City.
"Fuckers! Will live with her? Why are they looking for a neat looking unmarried female?"
There was another advertisement that drew Gun-Ho's attention.
"Job opening for bookkeeping and managing. No experience necessary. Someone who completed military service is encouraged to apply."
The posting is in the newspaper. There was an additional sentence in a small font.
"We are looking for someone who can do bookkeeping and handling sales statements using Excel."
They were kind enough to include their cell phone number. Gun-Ho called the number right away.
"Bangil Gas?"
"Yes."
"I am calling for the position posted in the newspaper. Is the bookkeeper position still open?"
"We are currently taking the applications. You can visit us with your resume."
"All right. The address is the one in the posting?"
"Yes. Pass the Eunhyeon Town township office and take the side road next to the Hyundai Oil gas station."
Gun-Ho got off work early to visit the company in Eunhyeon Town.
"Eunhyeon Town… I've never heard of this area."
 
It was a small factory with a tent roof. There were a lot of LP gas bottles in the yard. Gun-Ho saw the sign "Office" on the door of a dirty prefabricated building; he entered the office. There were a few desks.  The president came and greeted Gun-Ho.
"Did you bring your resume?"
"Yes, here it is."
The president looked at the resume for a while and then asked Gun-Ho, "Are you currently doing bookkeeping work at Dongil Tech?"
"No. I am with a production support team."
Gun-Ho didn't say he was working in a crushing site, but vaguely said he was with a production support team.
"We are not a factory; our company delivers propane gas. Will you take the job? We need someone who handles sales statements by entering the data into Excel and bringing it to the tax accountant office."
Gun-Ho didn't like the company; it was too small and dirty.
'Maybe I'll just gain my work experience here for a while then move to a good company.'
Gun-Ho thought he could use this job as a stepping stone since he had no work experience in accounting at all.
"This company is a 15-kilometer distance from my room at OneRoom, 30-kilometer round trip. I don't have to move. Let's do this."
Gun-Ho decided to take the job.
"I will do my best."
"Alright. I will let you know our decision tomorrow. The phone number on your resume is the contact number I can use?"
"Correct."
 
The next day, a woman called Gun-Ho.
"Did you submit your resume to Bangil Gas in Eunhyeon Town?"
"Yes, I did."
"We received three applications, and our president liked you the most. You can start tomorrow at 8 AM. Please bring your resident registration with you."
"I will do that."
Gun-Ho finally got a job in bookkeeping. Although the work was half bookkeeping and half handling sales documents, he could still list this job on his resume as 'Bookkeeper in Bangil Gas Corp.' when he applies for another company later.
 
Gun-Ho handed in his letter of resignation. The eyes of the crushing site team leader widened.
"Why are you handing over your resignation letter? Where are you going?"
"I think I'd better move to another company."
"Which company? Will they pay you more?"
"No, not really, but I'm leaving because I want to try an office job."
"An office job?"
"Actually, I have the computerized accounting certificate and Excel certificate, and I've wanted to work as a bookkeeper, and I just got a job offer."
"Really? You have those kinds of certificates?"
"I am sorry I had to let you know this last minute."
"I'm letting you go since you are moving for a better job… But we will miss you. Who will be a good replacement for your work?"
"I think Mr. Go in the washing team would be good."
"Do you think the washing site team leader will let him go?"
"I'm positive Mr. Go wants to join this crushing team because of the washing team leader's constant nagging."
"Okay. I will ask the director. Ehyo, I really liked to work with you."
Gun-Ho truly felt sorry for the team leader because he was really good to Gun-Ho while the team leader of the washing site had kept nagging him when he worked with him. Gun-Ho was under a lot of stress at that time.
 
Gun-Ho went to Bangil Gas in Eunhyeon Town, Yangju City with his resident registration.
"I don't see the lady I spoke with on the phone the other day."
Bangil Gas had five workers: three truck drivers, the owner, and Gun-Ho in the office. During the daytime, all three truck drivers were on the road for delivery; it was really quiet in the office.  It turned out that the lady Gun-Ho talked with on the phone the other day was the owner's wife; she often came to the office to help her husband do office chores and also to fight with him.
"Oh, this pretty young man will work with us? Are you married?"
The owner's wife had a louder voice than the owner and she was vibrant. The owner and his wife were boisterous, but they seemed to be good-natured people.
"By the way, I am not sure if this company is a corporation. I want to list this company on my resume as Bangil Gas Corp. so it makes me look like I have work experience in a somewhat big company for my next job."
Gun-Ho looked at the tax invoices scattered on the desk in the office; the stamp on the provider section showed Bangil Gas Corp.
"Thank God. It is a corporation!"
The owner said to Gun-Ho who was looking at the tax invoice,
"That is your desk, Goo Jooim."
"Jooim?"
Gun-Ho thought the job title sounded so obsolete it was probably used during the Japanese colonial period.
"After our bookkeeper left the company, I've handled those tax invoices myself by handwriting. Since you are here now, we can issue the tax invoices electronically."
Gun-Ho was perplexed a bit because he hadn't had any experience with issuing electronic tax invoices. He remembered the things he learned from the vocational school. He could issue tax invoices either from the website of National Tax Service, HomeTax, or using an accounting program. During the practical training in the vocational school, Gun-Ho issued a few tax invoices for practice, but he was still worried if he could do perform well in the practical scene.
"You are not using an accounting program here, are you?"
"We are not. I heard tax invoices can be issued from some National Tax Service website…"
"It's National Tax Service HomeTax website. Do you know your login ID and password? We need them."
"ID?"
The owner hurriedly made a phone call to someone.
"Honey, it's me. Do you know our ID for National Tax Service?"
"Why are you asking me that? You should know."
"Why should you talk like that? I'm asking you because I can't remember!"
"Look at the calendar on the wall."
"Okay."
The owner leafed through the big number calendar with a delivery company's name on it on the wall.
"There is no ID here."
"I see it below the company name. I will take note."
Gun-Ho clicked his tongue.
"He is the so-called owner of this company! He should have written it down in his diary or something."
Gun-Ho thought so.
While the owner was away from his desk, Gun-Ho practiced issuing tax invoices. When he made some mistakes in issuing two invoices, he was thinking of tearing them off, but he decided to take them with him home; he shoved them into his pocket.

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.

Zohaifa started searching for him. After a little toilsome search, he found the scientist sitting in an unnoticeable corner, mumbling all by himself and following it with an evil laugh.
Zohaifa asked, "Excuse me, is everything okay?"
"Yes, everything is okay. Its going just according to plan," said the scientist as he tries to hold back his laughter.
Zohaifa was confused and filled with suspicion.
He yells to his assistant bot, "Start the project!"
Zabir asked being excited, "What is the project about?"
The scientist replied with a happy, yet an evil face, "As you see, most of the robots I invented have some kinds of defect. It is because I have poor knowledge about human body. Books aren't enough to give me the perfect idea of how it works, especially the nervous system...," The scientist continues... "Thus, in this project, I decided to use live human sample to gain understanding of the human body. Thanks to fill me in!"
That speech was enough to get Zabir's heart racing in fear.
"You think we will let you!," yelled Zohaifa's father, "We are unlike those people you find around the world just being tortured with no protests."
The scientist replied, "Let's see if the robots hear your protest."
A group of wrestler bots came to the scene.
Thus the robots started to attack the scientist's living sample. Zohiafa's father started brawling with them. Zohaifa used all the martial arts experience he had to dodge through the robots and reached his way to the scientist.
BAM!!!
An uppercut to the jaw.
"You really thought you could defeat any family with defected robots? Their movements glitch so much that dodging as never been easier."
The scientist laughed while in his sitting positon.
"I might have not found any human sample but I had a lot of animal sample. Behold!"
A robocheeta in a thick glass showcase was pointed at. Then the scientist shouted, "Robo1657, Activate!"
The robo-cheetah woke up and came out easily breaking the glass. "Robo1657 is my special A.I. Come on, bot. Knock them unconscious. But don't use your claws. I don't want to spoil my samples."
The robo-cheetah crushed on the family members one by one, knocking them unconscious. The first experiment was to examine the response of a human body in accordance with electric shock. Thus, Zohaifa was tied in a fancy wire.
The scientist began the experiment with a very small voltage and gradually increased the voltage. All Zohaifa could think for that moment was that this might be the end of his life. 
"Is this how it all ends for me?"

A world (the Crystals) within a world (My life.)
A character (Zohaifa) within a character (Me).
A power (lightning) within a power (my imagination)
Join Zohaifa in his adventure filled with joys and torments.
From gaining Lightning powers to obtaining the time sword.
From travelling to planet X to going on an adventure in Cant World.
From joining cities’ internal tournaments to intra-galactic tournament.
From encountering the Prince of Lightning to a demon that feeds on planets.
Read the story of a World with people of diverse powers.

Release Schedule: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30th of every months. In other words, after every 5 days.

The office area of Dingtian Soccer Club.
Xiong Zhou walked to the door and looked at the plate that read, "General Manager's Office." After smoothing his collar, he knocked at the door.
"Please come in!" a euphonious female voice came out. Xiong Zhou took a deep breath, then he opened the door and entered the office.
Yunan Xiao was sitting at her table; several documents placed in front of her.
Xiong Zhou walked to the table seriously, prepared to accept the instructions of his boss.
As a member of the club's management level, Xiong Zhou knew the beautiful General Manager in front of him was the only daughter of the group's Chairman. Therefore, Xiong Zhou showed respect every time he met Yunan Xiao.
Yunan Xiao picked up three documents and handed them to Xiong Zhou, and she said, "These three coaches of the League One clubs are rejected. Harman is not satisfied with coaches of the Super League clubs, let alone the coaches from League One clubs. By the way, have you received any reply from Coach Sun of Shanggang?"
"That is why I came to speak with you. Coach Sun has replied to me. He said his child is still attending high school in Shanggang, and he doesn't want to come here," Xiong Zhou said.
"In that case, let's stop requesting him for now," Yunan Xiao said helplessly.
"Besides, Chairman Fang of Dalu Group recommended a coach to me. I have his resume here." As Xiong Zhou spoke, he handed the folder to Yunan Xiao.
"Chairman Fang called me about this candidate. He said this coach has a background of track and field events, and used to act as the physical trainer of the National Table Tennis Team. I think he must be competent enough if he had a foothold in the National Table Tennis Team. Furthermore, Chairman Fang is our shareholder; respecting his opinion is of utmost importance. So I have accepted his recommendation," Yunan Xiao said, taking the folder. After opening the folder, she saw Dai Li's picture of Dai Li.
"He looks familiar to me. Dai Li? The name also sounds familiar." Yunan Xiao started to read the working experience of Dai Li.
"Now I remember, it's him! He is the coach I met during that marathon." Yunan Xiao recognized Dai Li quickly.
During the Half Marathon held at Jinyan Lake, Dai Li left a deep impression on Yunan Xiao. Dai Li's help to Dalu Fang, as well his victory in the end made Yunan Xiao remember him. After looking at Dai Li's picture and reading his working experience, Yunan Xiao could remember that marathon clearly.
He has been acting as a physical trainer on the National Table Tennis Team these last few years. Now he is applying for the physical trainer position in our club.
Yunan Xiao smiled suddenly. She placed Dai Li's resume on the resumes of another two people, and said, "Translate these three resumes into English, and then send them to Coach Harman."
...
"Look, these are the resumes for the three physical trainers found by Ms. Xiao." Harman handed the three resumes to Claude.
After taking the resumes, Claude opened the first one.
"Chowtai Kim, a Korean. He used to act as the physical trainer in Chunnam Dragons Club in the K-league of South Korea." As Claude spoke, he nodded. "This one is okay. He has coaching experience in the professional soccer league, and the K-league is pretty impressive in Asia."
Then Claude opened the second resume.
"Haoxin Liu, a guy who was born in Hong Kong and brought up in Canada. He was a professional hockey player for a little while, and then acted as the physical trainer in the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL." Claude frowned slightly, then he said, "This guy's experience is good. After all, the NHL is one of the top four leagues in the United States. The level of their coaches should be fine. However, hockey is different than soccer. Maybe he will need some time to adapt to soccer, which is new to him."
Finally, Claude opened the third resume.
"Dai Li, is he also a coach? He is so young! It seems he is as young as our players. He has a background in track and field events, and used to act as the physical trainer of the table tennis event. Haha, they are kidding me, right?" Dissatisfaction flashed in Claude's eyes. Obviously, both Dai Li's age and working experience were not satisfactory to Claude.
Dai Li's experience as the physical trainer in the National Table Tennis Team was very impressive for many people in China. However, to Claude, Dai Li's working experience meant nothing.
As a physical trainer of the soccer event, Claude could be considered one of the best coaches in the world. To him, Asian physical trainers were far behind their European counterparts, let alone a physical trainer of a "small ball" event like table tennis.
"I have asked Xiong Zhou, who sent the resumes to me. According to his information, this table tennis coach was recommended by a shareholder of the club." Harman looked at Claude with an expression that said, "You should know that." Then he said, "It's okay, he used to be a coach of the track and field team, so he should be good for something. You just make do with him."
"That's the only way out." Claude sighed helplessly. "I shouldn't have had high hopes for Asian physical trainers."
...
Dai Li signed his name on the contract.
The Dingtian Soccer Club offered Dai Li an annual salary of RMB 300,000. Although it was not very high in the first-tier cities, Dai Li was quite satisfied with the amount.
Besides the annual salary, Dai Li would also get some additional income, such as the travel allowance for the team's away games. If the team won a game, Dai Li could get a bonus as a coach. If the team won the championship of China's Super League, or even the championship of the AFC Champions League, the club would also pay Dai Li a bonus.
"Coach Kim, Coach Liu, and Coach Li, please allow me to welcome you to join us on behalf of the club." Yunan Xiao smiled at the three of them.
Yunan Xiao's voice lingered in Dai Li's ears after he walked out of the meeting room.
This General Manager is really a beautiful girl! She's so young, she must be about the same age as me, Dai Li thought.
Dai Li had met Yunan Xiao during the Half Marathon held at Jinyan Lake, but that had been a long time ago, and Dai Li had forgotten much of what had occurred on that day.
Today, when Dai Li met Yunan Xiao again, he still found her very attractive.
However, Dai Li was quite sober and he didn't have any inappropriate ambitions on her. On Dai Li's way to the meeting, someone working in the club had mentioned Yunan Xiao. This pretty General Manager was the darling daughter of the Chairman of Dingtian Group, and could basically be considered the princess of Dingtian Group. This kind of rich girl who was born with a silver spoon in her mouth was out of Dai Li's reach, since he was just an ordinary person. Yunan Xiao and Dai Li were people from two different worlds.
...
"The three new physical trainers have signed their contracts, and will start work tomorrow. Do you have any plan in using them?" Harman said, picking up his coffee and taking a sip.
"That Chowtai Kim from South Korea was a soccer physical trainer before. I plan to let him participate in the formulation of next two weeks of training plans, so that I can check his level before giving him any concrete work. Haoxin Liu was brought up in Canada, so he should have no problem in verbal communication with the foreign players. I plan to arrange him to do the strength training. As for that table tennis coach…"
Claude's expression was quite troubled. "For now, I really don't know what he could do. He is a person from a different world!"
"My old friend, I have a suggestion for you." Harman put down his coffee mug, then said, "Several players on our team are not very self-disciplined. After months of rest, they have put on a lot of weight. Now the league is about to start, but they are still overweight."
"I got you! The table tennis coach could be instructed to help those players lose weight. It's really a good idea!" Claude heaved a long sigh of relief. "I think that table tennis coach should be qualified for such easy work."


How could a poor graduate student without any background or connections become successful? With a coaching system? An upgrade? This is not a computer game, but real life we’re talking about!
 
This will be a fantasy based on reality. Dai Li will fight back against all those who would mock and humiliate him with his astonishing and awe-inspiring training skills. From a nobody he’ll try to become the most illustrious coach in the sports world, so join him in proving to everyone who’s the real master here!

Evan suddenly grabs Avery's gun hand and shoots himself in the chest with the pistol. He clutches his chest and staggers backward. The sound of the gun seems to echo in Avery's ears.
"Evan!" she screams, "Are you crazy?"
As he staggers backward, she reaches out to grab him. Instead, he grabbed her arm and pulled her into his chest, bringing her down to the ground with him. She falls on top of him and immediately tries to examine the gunshot wound. She gasps in shock and confusion when she realizes there isn't one.
"You were worried for me," Evan says with a small smile.
"I don't understand," Avery says, "Did you lie to me? Is the pistol just a toy?"
Robert clears his throat and opens the box again. The box has a false bottom, and he opens it, revealing another pistol identical to the one she just held.
"The real one is here," Robert says, "Mr. Howel was worried that you wouldn't know how to use the real one and accidentally hurt yourself. He asked me to bring this fake one for practice."
"Now that I've been shot in the chest, you have to tell me why you wanted the business card," Evan says smugly, "Are you trying to prove your innocence? Do you actually care for me?"
Avery scowls at him, "No!"
"You looked quite upset just now when you thought I'd been shot," Evan says.
"I didn't," she insists.
"You couldn't see your own expression," Evan says, his voice thick with emotion.
Avery stares at Evan in amazement.
"What in the world is happening?" she wonders, "Why has Evan's entire attitude toward me changed so dramatically? Is he going to change his mind about letting me leave? He can't do that to me. Even if he decides to resume the search for Gabrielle, it's too late. Andrew only gave me five days before he hurts Gabrielle. After today, I'm only left with two. I would die for Gabrielle; not even Evan can change my mind."
"You're reaching," Avery says, "So what if I asked Dr. Walters for the business card? Proving my innocence never even occurred to me."
"If he refuses to trust me, there's really no point in proving anything," she thinks, "I gave him a false explanation and lost his trust. Now, he doesn't even trust me enough to give me a real pistol."
Evan suddenly stares at her with deep meaning.
"What if I want you to prove it?" he asks.
Avery stares back at him silently and ponders the meaning behind his words. Evan abruptly gets up and pulls her to her feet.
"Come to the hospital with me," he says.
Avery is anxious. She was curious about the test when she asked Dr. Walters, but she didn't really plan on taking it. Now, she's worried about the results. If the test proves her innocence, Evan may refuse to let her go, and if that happens, Gabrielle will be doomed.
"I won't go!" she exclaims, shaking her head vehemently.
Evan looks down at her and frowns, "Why not?"
"What's the point?" Avery asks, "If we don't even have basic trust, then what's the use of taking a physical test?"
"What are you guilty of?" Evan asks, "Or are you innocent and afraid I won't let you go? If you're not guilty or afraid, prove it and come with me to the hospital. It'll put my mind at ease."
Avery knows that once Evan makes up his mind, he wouldn't change it easily. She feels herself beginning to panic.
"Sir, the hospital staff, will be leaving shortly," Robert says, "If you must go tonight, I'll phone the director and see if we can catch them before they leave."
Avery's failing hope is rekindled. If she can go to the hospital one more day later, then they'll find out the truth later.
"Robert is right," she says, "It's late, and the doctors need time to prepare. How about we go tomorrow?"
Evan stares at her with unreadable eyes. Avery smiles back convincingly.
"I was thinking about starting to make the gift I promised you tonight," she says, "That'll be difficult if we have to go to the hospital."
"Don't play games with me!" Evan warns.
Evan reluctantly walks away. Avery's lonely shadow seems to stretch toward him as the sun sinks below the horizon. The red clouds disappear, and the darkness sets in. The targets have become difficult to see, and Avery puts the gun away before returning to the guest room.
She sits on the floor and spreads her materials around her: wood, cloth, paper, and glue quickly cover the floor. She's making a diorama with a small, wooden house. Avery picks up the materials with a set of tweezers and painstakingly glues each tiny piece into place. The house she's making is small and simple, but it's her dream home because her husband and children live there.
She soon finishes building the house. Then she begins to install working lights. When she presses a button on the outside of the diorama, warm yellow light shines on every inch of the house. She adds a small speaker with a recording device to play a personalized message.
Though the work is intricate, the most laborious thing to make is a miniature photo album for the shelf in the study. She wants to take 72 photos of him and print them in miniature form in the album. She also writes him a letter and disguises it as another book on the shelf.
The project is huge and detailed, and Avery quickly loses track of time. She doesn't notice the sun beginning to dawn in the sky. She works well into the morning before a maid summons her to go to the hospital.
After staying awake all night, Avery falls asleep as she waits for the test. She wakes in a daze when a bright white light shines in her eyes. A female doctor wearing a blue surgical mask holds a tube to the light.
"I'm finished collecting the sample," the doctor says, "You can get down now."
The light switches off, and Avery slowly rises from the examination table. She's surprised that she slept so profoundly the extraction didn't wake her, and she's desperately concerned about the results.
"How long will it take to run the test and analyze the results?" Avery asks.
"Three to five days," the doctor responds, "I'll phone you as soon as we're sure of the results."
Avery breathes an immediate sigh of relief.
"It doesn't matter what the results say," she thinks, "By that time, I'll be gone."
"How accurate are they?" she asks aloud.
"We possess the most advanced equipment, and our techniques are second to none," the doctor assures her, "We always check our work at least twice to ensure accuracy."
Avery nods and exits the examination room. Evan is waiting outside. He already knows that it takes several days to obtain the results, and his face is set with icy impatience. Though his expression is severe, the nurses still ogle and admire him.
"Sir, they've collected the sample, and they say they'll inform you of the results as soon as possible," Robert said, "Unfortunately, there's nothing they can do to expedite the process further. At the very minimum, it will take two or three days."
Evan looks at Avery and frowns before storming out of the room.


WARNING! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
The story CONTAINS harsh words that are not suitable for young readers. There are several twists and mysteries inside this novel. The plot is not a typical contemporary-romance alone but an action-filled series fueled by revenge! 


Since childhood, she was trained to be a perfect wife to the Billionaire heir, Evan Howel. She loved him and adored this man. People around them often said she's his dog and no matter how she's badly treated by him in the past years of being married, she would keep coming back to him meekly. She tried to seduce him several times but she failed to sleep with him and being kicked out of his bed.
Someone had plotted to kill her by pushing her into the water that almost took her life. When she woke up, she became a different woman he used to know. She sneered and gave her husband a divorce agreement. 

Evan Howel offered five billion for their 3 years of marriage as compensation. She felt disgusted and declined his generosity. He began to think about why she changes into a strong woman and dare to provoke him. 

He realized that he can't let go of his beautiful wife who suffered so much for how many years. He wanted her to stay and he played a sex videotape of them in a silent mode before whispering into her ear: "If you don't tear up the divorce paper, I will unmute this video and let the whole world know about it!". She was shocked to see the video of their intimate moments that happened because of the drug given to them. 

She's ready to leave him but her devil husband won't let her go. Would she change her mind after what he had done to her? Would she give up herself again out of love? Could she win over the struggle and conspiracy plotted by Evan's grandfather?


Warning: Strong parental guidance as some chapters are not suitable for minors. 

List of my Novels Here in Webnovel 

1. Billionaire Defiant Wife
2. The Cage of The Past
3. Revenge to the Devil
4. Winter of the Wolves
5. Love & Revenge
6. My Billionaire Husband
7. Love & Revenge: The Return of the Heiress
8. You Are Mine (English)
9. Memories of the Night




Special Note: If you are looking for a sweet contemporary-romance genre, this novel doesn't have that kind of plot. Most plots of my novel talk about mystery, suspense, and a slice of life. Often FL starts a slow pace of development, from weak to strong.

Even though what might Matsuzaki wanted to tell him was a small thing that could be told by the phone, Ren didn't want to alert Tsubaki by any of it. He was still frenzied with the thought of his wife knowing about it despite Tsubaki's reassurance to face them together.

Ren strode inside his office as soon as he exited the elevator while Matsuzaki frantically followed him from behind. Hibiki shook his head as he sighed inwardly. He too went inside the President's office while preparing for his Master's outburst.

Hibiki closed the door of the office. Once he stepped inside, he noticed the temperature around them dropped significantly.

Ren sat at his chair. He looked at both Matsuzaki and Hibiki in silence. His fingers linked together as he leaned his face against them. Both of his special assistants stood in front of him. Matsuzaki sneaked a glance at Hibiki as the latter nodded.

Matsuzaki coughed once, feeling his throat dry.

This wasn't going to be good.

As much as he didn't want to suffer his Master's wrath, he still needed to be professional. 

"Lawyer Furukawa succeeded in getting the information from Mr. Sagara," Matsuzaki finally said. "About... your whereabout 5 years ago, Mr. Sagara said he received an anonymous tip."

Ren's brows knitted together. He asked heavily, "Did he investigate the source of the tip?"

Matsuzaki shook his head. "He said he tried finding the source but nothing came to him. In the end, he just used the tip to locate you."

"What's the time frame between him receiving the tip to finding my exact location?"

"In one week."

Ren leaned back against the chair. His right index finger tapped on the table unhurriedly. His eyes were distant as if he was thinking far back inside his mind, searching for his memory. Matsuzaki and Hibiki didn't dare to let out even a small sound. They just stood there like robots, waiting for the next orders.

"It could be considered quite long for him to take his action. I think Mr. Sagara was being careful before he tried catching me," said Ren after a long period of silence. "His men came to me at night when I had just gotten off work. They didn't say anything, instead, they just captured me and brought me straight to the city."

The memory of the night was so clear in Ren's mind as if it just happened yesterday. On that night, he knocked off quite late from the hardware store where he had been working for months. Tsubaki had told him earlier to meet her at the local cinema. They had just newly got married at that time and since he couldn't bring her to their honeymoon, he immediately agreed with her suggestion for a date night.

The local florist had just closed its door but after seeing Ren's begging face, the kind old lady allowed him to make his last-minute purchase. He bought a bouquet of red camellias. With such anticipation, he walked to the local cinema.

He had just turned around at a corner when he was suddenly attacked from behind. He tried to fight but the attackers swiftly subdued him with anesthesia and covered his head with a black bag. His last memory was being dragged inside a car. 

When he finally woke up, it was on his bed in the old house.

He was going to get back to Tsubaki, knowing how his sudden disappearance would cause endless worry to her yet with all eyes were focusing on him from every direction, he knew it would be bad if they understood the importance of her for him.

And when he finally found the chance to contact her, only her disappearance came as the answer.

"But, seeing that he didn't know about Madam's existence, it seemed like the one who gave the tip to Mr. Sagara deliberately concealed the fact about Madam," Hibiki added after he noticed the change in expression on his Master's face.

"He was quite dumb, wasn't he?" said Matsuzaki in anger. "If he did investigate Master after he got the tip, he should already know about Madam."

"He won't pay attention to anyone insignificant," answered Ren, although his voice wasn't as confident as usual. "He would just deem her as someone I needed to come in contact with during my stay at the village, after all, he had always thought of me as someone who wouldn't care about anyone else."

That was why the cunning old man was fixated on making him into a puppet figurehead. And when he finally realized Ren couldn't be controlled by anyone and had even shown his genius talents in managing the company, he began his plan to retaliate before it would be too late.

The two assistants looked at each other. The reason was plausible but they didn't know that their Master had thought of another possibility in mind.

"Did he say anything else?"

"Nothing, Master," Hibiki answered. "The prosecution has already booked him for a court hearing. He would be quite busy later."

Ren nodded. He dismissed them both. Matsuzaki and Hibiki left to resume their work.

After they left the office, Ren stood up from the chair. He silently turned around to walk over to the floor-to-ceiling windows behind him. From his position, he could see the entire city. Fuse Corporation was one of the tallest skyscrapers in the city. And his office was located on the highest floor.

By overlooking the city, various things would come into his view. The people who were walking on the grounds, as well as the moving vehicles, all of them appeared like a group of ants to him. But, it didn't make him prideful. Instead, it made him thinking of humans' behavior and the thoughts hidden inside their minds.

Ren thought back to what Matsuzaki and Hibiki had relayed to him. The assumption he gave to them was quite rational enough given Mr. Sagara's personality. But, what he hadn't said out loud was; what if the mastermind deliberately concealed Tsubaki's existence in his life from the old fox?

To avoid creating turmoil? Or he was afraid to unintentionally catch the attention from whom he wanted to hide?

Ren slipped his hands inside his pockets. So many thoughts tangling inside his mind. He was still waiting for the DNA test results. Toshiro hadn't contacted him back. He had even given Satsuki's sample to him.

If it was proven that Tsubaki and Kouichi were total strangers, he could breathe in relief.

But, if they were related, he couldn't even think how many new questions would pop into his mind.

Ren turned his body slightly, his eyes landed on a wooden frame placed on his working table. It was a picture of both of them from Grandma's birthday celebration. A photographer commissioned by Grandma had taken a candid photo of them. It was when she shyly pushed him back after she came back from the restroom with Mrs. Souma after he teased her with his sweet words in front of the guests. 

In the photo, Tsubaki's blushing face was so beautiful in his eyes. A warmth feeling chased away the darkness that started to creep inside his heart. Ren smiled fondly.

Just as he wanted to resume his work, his phone rang. Toshiro was calling him. He suddenly sensed a bad premonition just by looking at the name.

Ren answered the call.

"I'll make you fall in love with me again." He gently rubbed her head.

"Whenever you're tired donning the cold mask to the outside world, you could come to me. I'll be here." She smiled as she held his hands.

Five years ago, the long winter of his life melted away once she entered his life. He had grown to live comfortably in her cool spring air with the scent of flowers she loved. But, fate had another story. It dragged him away from his spring, leading him to once again living in winter.

Five years later, he had successfully became the King of Winter. To avoid him from drowning in the freezing air, he began her journey to once again inviting the spring to grace his life.

Because for Ren, Tsubaki would forever be his spring.


A/N: If you want a fluffy love story, try check this one out! There would be some angst but don't worry, no major misunderstanding between our leads ;) 

The raw photo of the cover is from https://www.facebook.com/mandarin1314/photos/pcb.1047531012104032/1047529948770805/?type=3&theater . I used Photoscape to edit it a bit and add the text

experience sample resume

Resume Love

Supreme Magus

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