Teng Man Rui visited the Chen dream house upon the invitation of the madame. She obliged, thinking that it would probably be for the last time.
"It seems that you've made up your mind." Xue Jinxu observed how steadfast her friend's resolution appeared. 
"Mhmm… Yes." Teng Man Rui answered, smiling sincerely.
After their long, painful misunderstanding, the two best friends Xue Jinxu and Teng Man Rui slowly mended their friendship. It required hard work, but the two were willing to undergo the necessary process.
No matter how awkward it was, they began alternately contributing to the emotional bank that their friendship needed for it to grow and flourish to its old glory.
Teng Man Rui started by sending baskets of freshly picked fruits to Xue Jinxu's house. At first, Xue Jinxu thought that Chen Linyun bought it, but the man denied it.
"No, I hadn't been to the market lately." The husband denied and refused to take on the credit that wasn't his.
Then, one time while he visited the pregnant twin, Xue Minhe mentioned in passing some suggestions for classes which soon-to-be parents could optimize. Some included labor rehearsals, and everything to know about pregnancy. Xue Minhe even came with a complete list.
The list made Xue Jinxu instantly suspicious. How would her twin brother know so much about it? 
"Did you research it all by yourself?" Xue Jinxu narrowed her eyes at her brother, a hint of a mischievous smirk was on her lips.
The twin brother, not wanting to lie to his only sister, reluctantly retorted, "Some months ago, my ex-wife and I prepared this list. I thought it would be more of a waste to keep it to myself and cling to it, or just throw it, when it can be beneficial to you."
"Ahhh… Great explanation, Ge-ge. I see." Eyebrows raised, she nodded, unconvinced. She laughed heartily after her statement.
Xue Jinxu did not lack on her end as well.
To prove that she's open for reconciliation, Xue Jinxu often sent text messages of good, inspiring quotes to Teng Man Rui. The lady thought that it was such a perfect idea to reconnect because sending those quotes would not require a response at all.
She continued to do it without expecting a response in return, but Teng Man Rui would almost always respond with a smiley or a simple thanks.
Those modest actions kept the ball rolling.
Until one day, Xue Jinxu stopped all the pretense and circuitous act. She straightforwardly invited her best friend to her house. With her personality, she would rather proactively confront her friend no matter what the consequences are. However, she had hoped for their encounter to turn out well.
Teng Man Rui obliged, "Okay, there's something I want to tell you as well. It would be better to meet up in person."
And so, they met. It was during the second week of September.
"Autumn is almost here." Xue Jinxu started tentatively.
The maids served some fruit juice and bread. The two friends started to warm up with each other. They exchanged some more small talks and pleasantries.
After all the trivialities, Teng Man Rui finally broke her news to her. "En. As the seasons change, I plan to start anew too."
"That's great, Xiao Rui." Xue Jinxu timidly agreed without pressing too much. However, her curiosity was beyond the roof.
"I've been undergoing therapy lately. You know… To… To cope up with the harrowing events that happened to me recently." She paused, took a breather, and smiled. The topic was all too sensitive for her. It took her to muster her courage to talk about it to anyone openly.
Then, she continued, "My therapist advised me to start afresh and try something new – something that is not part of my daily routine before."
"That's what exactly I would be doing. Actually, I'm excited about it! Hehehe." Her eyes formed small arches as her façade was engulfed with enthusiasm.
Teng Man Rui relayed some more of her optimistic plans to Xue Jinxu, the latter attentively listening and only butting in with 'Ahhh' and 'I see' and 'sounds good'.
During their conversation, Xue Jinxu had been feeling some sort of pain in her belly, but she shrugged it off thinking that it's tolerable and even short-lived. She kept silent about it with a plastered smile on her attentive-looking face so that it would not disrupt the jovial atmosphere they were enjoying.
As Teng Man Rui ended relaying her plans, the two best of friends talked about their childhood and the happy memories they spent during their teens.
They both sighed contentedly, both with the awareness that after a few years they would find themselves in a situation wherein they wouldn't be able to fathom how fate would play tricks on them. Their young selves would never have imagined – no matter how creative they were – all the possibilities of how real life has just unfolded for both of them.
Regardless of how painful their experiences were, here they were, still friends, enduring, emerging triumphant no matter what storm they had to go through. Their friendship is strong and resilient, too. 
True love proves to be everywhere, not just between family members but with friends, too. 
Perhaps, there would come a time in the future when they would be able to laugh off all their silliness and foolishness and all the painful memories of the present time, looking back.
---
Teng Man Rui eventually left. They bid their farewells, and a promise of a reunion in the future no one knows exactly when.
The lady exchanges their well-wishes for the lives they chose, and prayers for good health and prosperity.
As soon as Teng Man Rui left, the pain in Xue Jinxu's abdomen grew stronger. Her knees wobbled, and she proactively leaned on the doorway to support herself. She stayed there for a good while since she's not quite sure if she could reach the couch safely on her own.
Her forehead and back started to sweat profusely now. Grabbing the doorway's post tightly, she attempted to shout for help.
The maids heard her and went swiftly to her rescue. They supported her by the elbows and back and towed her slowly towards the couch.
She panted heavily as she requested for her mobile phone. The maids around her searched for it vigorously and passed it on to her as soon as they found it.
She was able to send two messages successfully before she passed out.


-----
 “Alright.”
“I better go now. I’ll be fine on my own now.” She grinned again while fixing her hair, tucking it neatly under the cap and turning up the hood to cover half of her face. Her guise was complete. She knew that she would pass as a boy with her current look. So she uncaringly opened the door. With one last smile she thanked him again and left.
Just like that.
Chen Linyun’s peace and quiet has been perturbed.
‘Take responsibility, somehow.’ He said in his mind, to the girl who just left, eyes glimmering.
He gazed darkly at her fading silhouette but did not do anything anyway.
-----

Chen Linyun had spend the night together in a dorm room with a drunken girl he had mistaken for a boy when he was still eighteen years old during his sophomore year in the university. Little did he know this short encounter will leave a mark in him, unable to let go of this woman who disappeared after that night. He was head-over-heels and had vowed to search for her in every part of the earth.

Five years later, they met again, but the woman he once knew wasn't the same as she was before. Just after a few years, she became a domineering leader of her own empire.

With his own charm, his adventure to chase the girl and convince her of his love starts in this story. 

It's a reverse role that the MC is a bit soft and domesticated but smart, while the FC is the strong-willed one - playful and teasing.


Excerpt 2:
-----
“Deal.”
Chen Linyun stood up. “One more thing.” He grabbed her hand that was resting on the table. He gently guided it for her to stand up. She followed her lead and stood up, confused.
The next thing she knew, she was enveloped in his warm embrace. “I missed you.”
She blushed. She tried to push him away. 
His left hand was cradling the back of her head while his right hand secured her lower back. She was held tightly in his embrace.
“Just a little longer.”
She was helpless. “I’ll sue you for harassment.”
“You wouldn’t do that.” He finally released her and stared at her blushing face.
 “This time I won’t leave your side.”
------

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"The overlords of Glorious Edge, Eastern Plains, Sygram, and Dragon Canyon have officially given their quotes, Master."
Gillian's fluffy ears twitched as she fiddled with the letters. It could be seen from her glinting eyes that she was extremely excited.
The Land of Atonement had repelled the Undead Army and revealed their trump card before everyone. Previously, the four territories had sent their representative nobles to observe how Rhode defeated the Undead Army and thereafter returned to their territories and reported the matter to their superiors. It was impossible that no one was attracted by the legendary Holy Maiden Statues. In an instant, envelopes flooded Rhode's room and envelopes from the four overlords were the most urgent. After all, they had the urgency to defend against the Undead Army as the border territories. They didn't mind spending huge sums of money to resist the Undead Army! The overlords were much richer than Rhode and it wasn't any problem for them to fork out the money!
However, the overlords had different attitudes on this matter. Some expressed that they could provide financial support and materials in exchange for a cheaper price. On the other hand, some generous ones expressed that money wasn't a problem for them!
Rhode had no intentions of raising the price ridiculously because it would be inevitable for gossips to spread if he seized the opportunity to cheat too much of their money. Therefore, he merely increased the production fees from 3 million to 5 million gold coins. He would also decrease the price to 4 million gold coins if the other party provided their own materials. This way, even though he earned less, his reputation in the Munn Kingdom would still be favorable. Besides, his main goal was to protect the Munn Kingdom. Moreover, the Holy Maiden Statues were only effective against the Undead Army and weren't harmful to humans like exploding cannons. If the system didn't need 3 million gold coins to produce, he would have lowered the price, sold thousands of them, and lined them all along the borders of the Munn Kingdom. When that happened, even trillions of Undead Creatures would be annihilated…
It was just what the overlords wished for to spend 4 to 5 million gold coins to get their hands on one legendary artifact. Based on the letters, some requested for two while the most was four. Even if Rhode raised the price by 1 to 2 million gold coins, he would still be earning. Not only was he able to earn profit, but he was also able to improve his relationship with others, which was killing two birds with one stone. On the other hand, he had laid eyes on the Country of Light to make a killing. Compared to the Munn Kingdom, the Country of Light was in a more urgent position and Rhode instantly raised their minimum price to 15 million gold coins! They could forget about it without paying 20 to 30 million gold coins! Rhode couldn't care less even if they couldn't fork out the money since the Undead Army would focus their attention away from the Munn Kingdom and onto them.
"Who gave the highest quotes?"
Rhode sat back and pondered with knitted brows. Marlene took over a few envelopes and scanned the letters.
"Currently, Glorious Edge and Dragon Canyon have given the highest quotes. Glorious Edge is responsible for the front line so they're highly interested. As for the Dragon Canyon…"
Marlene paused and said awkwardly.
"They're under the control of the Senia Family, so I understand their situation quite well. Currently, they defended against the Undead Army with the help of the Battle Angel Army. But they could have lost everything if the war dragged any longer."
I see.
Rhode gazed at Marlene and realized why she felt rather awkward. Dragon Canyon was indeed the border territory of the Senia Family. Besides, the Senia Family had been generous, so they wouldn't be afraid to fork out huge sums of money. As for the Glorious Edge…
"How about this, Marlene."
Rhode came up with an idea and crossed his arms.
"I can sell the four Holy Maiden Statues to Dragon Canyon for 3 million gold coins each. But I hope the Senia Family can prioritize and provide us with three Floating Boats."
"Floating Boats?"
Marlene knitted her brows.
"Did you mean the magic warships, Rhode? I can't make the decision… The magic warships are the national secrets of the Munn Kingdom and developed by the Munn Royal Family. We don't have the rights to produce and sell the magic warships. Besides…"
"No no no. I'm not referring to the magic warships."
Rhode waved his hand.
"I'm speaking about the Floating Boats, which shouldn't be a problem for you, right? I guess you're also aware that the Holy Maiden Statues need to be transported after production. But we lack transportation tools now. This is why it is essential for us to have large Floating Boats."
"I see."
Marlene nodded in agreement. The Senia Family was the only family that could produce Floating Boats and magic warships in the Munn Kingdom. Not only that, but the Senia Family's financial resources came from the business transactions of the Floating Boats. The main purpose of the Floating Boats was to transport goods and as a result, there were huge differences in their defenses, firepower, and functionality compared to the magic warships. However, as a transportation tool, the magic warships weren't as quick and safe—of course, it was a totally different matter for Rhode when he first came to this world and met the horrifying group of flying serpents.
The reason why Rhode needed the Floating Boats wasn't to transport the Holy Maiden Statues. Instead, he could also use them to transport other goods. Why did the Munn Kingdom become the wealthiest country in the Light Mainland? It was because they developed the trade routes and Floating Boats. A normal delivery time of one week was shortened to three days and nothing was more important than time and efficiency. 
"No problem, Rhode. I will handle it," Marlene said firmly. 
The Senia Family held their own territory, so Marlene was clear about the needs for territory turnovers. If nothing was done to turn this territory into an effective system, it would be troublesome in the future.
Marlene looked up after recording this matter into her journal. She revealed a rather concerned look.
"Erm… Rhode, when do you intend to release Miss Sonia and the others? The Country of Light will…"
"Don't bother."
Rhode sulked slightly and waved his hand. He imprisoned the emissaries so quickly that the Country of Light wasn't aware of their plights yet. On the other hand, Priest Aiken didn't reveal any information after he received some hints from Rhode. Priest Aiken had been laying low in the church all day. However, this wasn't important for Rhode. He didn't capture Sonia just because he hated the Country of Light.
"I will release that young lady after she becomes obedient."
"…"
Marlene sighed helplessly. She knew what Rhode had been up to in the underground prison. Even though she wasn't sure of the details, she guessed what he had done based on her understanding of him. However, she had no intentions of interfering with his decision because she trusted that he would make sane decisions and there must be a reason behind this. Besides, as the heir of a noble family, Marlene didn't believe that this world was pure. She was clear of the cunning, sinister, bloody conflicts between nobles. However, she couldn't help but deeply empathize Sonia as a female—she knew that Rhode didn't have protective feelings for the fairer sex and all she could do was hope that Sonia wouldn't be too sorrowful.
However, her prayers weren't effective.
When Rhode arrived at Sonia's cell once again, the latter was already waiting. She wore a thin robe and had lost all her arrogance and pride. On the contrary, she revealed uncertainties and lowered her head in silence.
Rhode let out a chuckle.
"What's wrong, Miss Sonia? Where did your awe-inspiring authority go?"
"You…!"
Sonia instinctively lifted her head, but as soon as she saw the pitch-black eyes, she instantly recalled that scene where her pride shattered into bits. He also used the same gaze on her back then…
An inexplicable chill emerged inside her and stifled her words. Then, she lowered her head again and objected in silence. Rhode swept a glance and said. 
"Good, Miss. Sonia. It seems like you've understood the situation. Alright then. I hope to see some practical actions. Take off your clothes."
"Huh?"
Sonia looked up in terror. She thought that she had misheard, but Rhode's ice-cold gaze told her that he was being serious.
"Take off your clothes. Or… do you want me to do it for you?"
"…"
Sonia pondered for a few moments. Then, she slowly took off her top and revealed her smooth, dewy body. She wrapped her arms around her chest and lowered her head with tears circulating her eyes. She felt humiliated and pained to strip herself naked before a man. But even so, the pride deep inside her held back her tears and supported her final honor.
"Good."
Rhode nodded. But, he didn't do anything like what she expected. Instead, he retrieved a small bottle and extended his arm.
"Drink this."
"W-What is that?"
"…"
Rhode stared in silence and Sonia didn't dare to ask again. She reached out for the bottle with her shivering hand. Then, she mustered her courage and drank the finished the entire bottle as though it was poison.
"Grr…"
She sensed a strange warmth surging and enveloping her. Then, she felt powerless at her limbs and collapsed to the ground.
"W-What did you do to me?"
She glared at Rhode, but the latter continued to stare in silence. He retrieved a leather red collar and clipped it onto her neck.
"You—!"
She struggled instinctively, but couldn't budge at all. As soon as Rhode clipped the collar on her beck, she instantly felt the strange warmth dispersing and regained her strength. However, she realized that she couldn't get up no matter how she tried to stand on her feet.
What did he do to me?
Rhode clutched the rope that was attached to her collar and presented a smile.
"Alright then, Miss. Sonia. Let's go for a walk."


Rhode is a legendary guild leader of the most influential guild in the VRMMO, Dragon Soul Continent. In order to cope with the death of his beloved sister, he dived into the game for seven long years. During this period, Rhode tries his best to alleviate his emotional pain through gaming, but alas, his life shatters once more when he heard his parents perish in a plane crash.

A month after the incident, he made a decision to quit the game and return to the real world. But just before that, as a final farewell, Rhode decides to fight the most powerful BOSS in the game with his guildmates. In the end, he defeats the BOSS at the expense of his avatar's life. Rhode smiles as his avatar dissipates in a beam of light. However, instead of respawning at the usual platform...

...

"W-wha...!"

Rhode shot up and stared at the unfamiliar ceiling.

And thus, a player who had been creating legends in the game for three eras disappeared just like that...

Sigh. Zian had already reminded Vladimir earlier not to stare at two or three sheep while shearing them, but it had gone in one ear and out the other. Its habit of using famous quotes was really hard to change.
Zhang Zian resigned. He didn't rush over to say hello to Little Celery. Instead, he first corrected Vladimir. "You shouldn't just use quote famous quotes, as they lack flexibility. She's not even that old and is, at most, like the sun at six or seven o'clock in the morning…"
Vladimir listened to Zian's advice and nodded. "Six or seven o'clock is good too."
"Also, what's the meaning of the Meow Meow Doctrine?" Zian asked. He had heard Vladimir shout the name of its move earlier and somehow felt his chrysanthemum tighten…
Vladimir gave it some thought then explained, "That is a good question… In short, it fights for the freedom, equality, and fairness of stray cats. Its goal is also to free stray cats from being bullied and oppressed so that they can decide on their own destiny!"
"Okay then…" Its answer was acceptable, so Zhang Zian wisely decided not to delve into it. Who knew if he might get an inappropriate answer if he continued on the subject…
Little Celery was used to Zhang Zian conversing with animals, although his partner that day was a blue cat that looked very spirited. She had never seen it in the store before.
As the weather turned warm, Little Celery was not wearing clothes as thick as the ones she wore during the early spring. They were replaced with loose-fitting sportswear that were easy to move in. Her clothes were a half a size bigger than her actual size––after all, children grew up fast and clothes that fit couldn't be worn for long. Her mother was definitely a pragmatist.
In addition, she finally did not need to wear thick hats and scarves, so her iconic pigtails were fully exposed now.
Zhang Zian noticed the direction of her pigtails, then recalled that it was definitely the weekend. Ever since he had taken over the pet shop, he had almost lost the concept of time; however, Little Celery's pigtails were as accurate as ever.
"Little Celery, it's the weekend. Why are you here so early on a weekend? Didn't you want to sleep in?" he asked.
Little Celery looked around and exclaimed, "Wow, there's a lot of people!"
Usually during the early morning, the store was as empty as ever––but wasn't Dog Warrior showing? Many local fans who watched the premiere rushed over early in the morning to find Famous so they could get a photo together; however, the shop was not fully prepared for opening, so they were stopped outside by the staff.
There were so many fans lined up outside, and Famous wasn't willing to make the floor dirty with everyone coming in after the staff had cleaned up the place. If all the fans were to be let in, they would interfere with the business, so Famous went outside the shop and satisfied the fans request for photos out there.
Little Celery only remembered after being asked by Zhang Zian that there was a reason she had stopped by. She quickly said, "I don't have class today, but the hamster in our class is going to give birth soon. My classmates told me to ask you if you could come over to help. Do you have the time?"
Little Celery and her friends had been very serious about raising the hamster; they had formed a feeding plan where daily records were taken by the person on duty each day. Through their care, the hamsters grew well, and several female hamsters had gotten pregnant. Now, despite Zhang Zian's long-term guidance, they had no confidence in handling the childbirth process, so they had Little Celery ask Zhang Zian to come and guide them through the process.
Zhang Zian looked at his schedule, and that day he was as free as usual. If he stayed in the store, he would probably be dragged around by the fans and media then forced to answer their questions, so it was better to just head out for a walk.
What was more, the Zhonghua Road Primary School where Little Celery studied was very close to the shop; it was just minutes away.
"Sure! No problem," Zhang Zian said. "I'll take a trip down with you."
"Thank you, Brother Shop Manager!" Little Celery finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Little Celery, have you eaten?" asked Zian as he touched his own empty belly.
"I have!"
"Then you can play in the shop for a while. We'll leave after I have breakfast."
"Okay!" Little Celery ran into the store cheerfully.
Vladimir, who had been sitting by the side watching and listening, suddenly said, "Can I come along too? I'm new here in Binhai City, so I need to familiarize myself with the nearby terrain and environment. After all, I've got no right to speak without any investigation."
"Sure." Zhang Zian agreed with what it said. He felt that there was nothing wrong with bringing it along.
Zian bought some steamed buns and soy milk, split them between the staff members, and finished his own portion. He then called Little Celery over and left the shop with her.
"Oh… Is this cat coming along with us?" Little Celery asked. She had taken a few steps forward before she turned around and noticed Vladimir tagging along.
Zhang Zian guessed her concerns. "Well, don't worry. It won't hurt the hamsters."
"That's good then." Little Celery finally rested assured.
The current weather was mild and suitable for walking––possibly the best weather for walking in the whole year. Many couples and families were out and about, taking advantage of the good weather. Even Otakus that never left their house were not able to stop themselves from going out for a walk. If they didn't, they would have been wasting such good weather.
On the way down to the school, Little Celery told Zhang Zian about the small problems they had encountered while raising the hamsters, and the interesting things that happened in school. Vladimir followed behind them and observed the unfamiliar city.
Binhai City and the capital were two cities with very different styles. Even if the scale and population of both cities were not taken into consideration, the obvious differences could be seen from their rhythm of life. Due to the limited amount of pressure they placed on life, the residents in Binhai were accustomed a slow and leisurely pace of life.
Occasionally, there would be one or two stray cats on the side of the road or on the wall, and after seeing Vladimir, they didn't have any special reaction. Whether they were fighting or eating food from people's hands, they were no different than usual. They seemed to treat Vladimir as any other ordinary cat, which was very different from their behavior when they saw Fina.
Vladimir was walking leisurely. It would sometimes mumble something and sometimes nod, but Zhang Zian did not know what was going on in its head.
Zhang Zian casually spoke with Little Celery, and periodically he would look back at it. He thought that after leaving the pet shop, Vladimir would be very eager to look around for the Holy Cat statue, however the reality was much different from his own imagination.
Before it could deal with the Holy Cat statue, it had to be located first. The Holy Cat statue was really elusive, and if it were that easy to find, then Zian would have already found it.
Zian was very curious about how Vladimir planned to find the Holy Cat statue in the first place.
Vladimir felt his gaze and smiled back at him with a meaningful smile. The smile was full of self-confidence and it said, "No hurry! No hurry! In any practical work, all the correct leads must come from the puss and blend with the puss!"
Zhang Zian paused. Fortunately, it didn't say into the… puss.
They arrived at the entrance of Zhonghua Road Primary School, and Zhang Zian didn't bother with the Holy Cat statue for the time being. He followed Little Celery into the campus and towards the hamsters.


1. Download a suspicious game
2. Catch a few magical pets as partners
3. Go through interesting daily routines and lead the pet shop to a whole new level

A year later.....

It's late December, I took 2 weeks off to visit Tiere at Jakarta, staying at her apartment. Tiere told me she loves her job and she made a lot of money. I'm so happy that I let her chase her dreams. And I, I finally got to work at my dream game company, was accepted right after a month dating Tiere. She's like a lucky charm to me.

The sun shining through the open curtain, I woke up before the alarm start beeping. I turned it off once it rang cause it's Sunday, I leaned forward looking at the peaceful looks of Tiere while she's sleeping, drooling on her pillow, greasy hair, and her messy waterproof makeup, did she forget to wash her face or? I use my thumb to wipe her eye –shadow but I didn't make it, for me she's always beautiful, my lips lifted upward I feel warm in my heart as it beats faster cause I realize how much I love her. Somehow it's so calming and my heart is melting. I leaned my head forward again, kiss her lips once and she pouted. "I want to sleeeppppp" she said, tossing her body to the other side. I laid back on the bed, hug her from behind. 

"Good morning, my dear" I whispered. I heard her sniffing smiles. Then my phone ruined my Sunday. 

drrrttt drrttt drrttt

I sit up to catch my phone, my mom's picture popped up. DAMN! SHE IS VIDEO CALLING ME RIGHT NOW? I LIED TO HER! But it's okay, I am 24 years old. BUT NO, JUST PRETEND I'M IN THE HOTEL.

I click the green button soon as my mom's face close up-ly appeared. I was kind of shock, my heart start pumping fast, throbbing behind my ribs, it's going to crack soon.

"Hii.. Mom" my jaw turns rigid. 

"Hey, so, you're at Jakarta?" my mom asked, still smiling.  

I nod my head, "Yes"

"Huh.. it's so hard to ask you to come to Miami, but when it is about Tiere, you arrived soon as she asked" 

I told my mom about Tiere and my mom was so happy about it. I don't know she used to ship me with Tiere since grade –school. I don't understand my mom sometimes. 

"Mom..." I rolled my eyes. 

"So where's she?"

"She is beside me..ups" I covered my mouth, DAMN! MY MOM PURPOSELY SHIFT MY CONCENTRATION.

Her smile disappeared, her face turned scary. THIS IS THE END OF MY LIFE!

"HAA!! YOU!!! Bastard! You slept with TIERE?? YOU DARE LIED TO ME?? YOU WANNA GET MARRIED SOON, HUH?" 

"Momm.. mom... listen" like usually....

Then, how about Caroline and the flowers?

Back to that time.

Once I've done my confessions towards Tiere, I walked back to my car light –heartedly. I feel happy and relieved at the same time. 

drrrtt drrttt

It's Caroline. Oh, I really forgot about her! I was kinda shock.

"Ryan.. where the hell are you?"

"Caroline.. I'm so sorry to say this. But, I think I'd like to stay with Tiere cause I love her" I said as I scratched my forehead, I know I sound like a total jerk but this is for the best.

"What???" she moaned and hung up the phone, before I even explain. 

Then the florist got to call me. 

"Hello, Giany's florist here. Am I talking with Mr.Valerian?"
 "Hello, miss florist. The bouquet and the chocolate box, sorry.. my girlfriend just left the town, so I'm giving that package for you. Thankyou!"

It turned her speechless, maybe I sound pathetic but not too pathetic that makes her confused. Ah, not a big deal.

That's how I deal with my puppy lover and the first roses I bought.

-Bonus Chapter End-

Hello, do you enjoy Bestfriend With Benefits?

Right, if you did, please hit follow my account and send me tons of likes! If there's anything you need to add, please do comment below. I'm so glad that I finally made it until the final of the story.

So here's a little throwback of the story and the specific descriptions of the character: 

Ryan (Valerian) : a tall nerd guy, he used to be thin, but he did some work out. He has a dark hair color and a pair of glasses but just in some times since he plays computer a lot. Sometimes he doesn't put any glasses while on date. Well, he is kind of good looking back in High School, just very thin so nobody noticed them, like he is nearly invisible. Ryan is from a very rich family too, but he is simple, so nobody has ever realized it. 

Tiere : a nerd girl who tends to be so active, and talkative. She has a dark past during her school time, students like to judge her, but since graduated from high school she did some improvements of her both appearance and her image that makes her prettier in the present time. But nah, in the past time, she is kind of retarded. Her family isn't that rich, but her mom's new husband and her dad's new wife are billionaires. But Tiere won't take a cent from them. She is tough. 

Caroline : she is one of the queen bees gang in their school. But she is the most normal among the others, I mean.. she is kinda study a lot rather than hanging out and shopping, even though she does a lot of shopping too. She is from a very rich family, that's why people like to cling into her. Nowadays people.

Calvin : Tiere's ex –boyfriend. Son of a famous cosmetic company. Calvin and Tiere were not in the same school. They met in the pub where Tiere worked at. That time, Calvin has a crush on her, and get to know her better. Tiere doesn't change because of Calvin, so don't get her wrong. She changed because she feel kinda ashamed of her past life during her school time. 

The quotes and some descriptions were inspired by descriptionari, they have tons of beautiful quotes and inspirational writings there. I develop my knowledge, learning from that website. 

The cover of the book might confused you. It is the picture of them wearing their middle school lab suit in their adult age. 

Here, I made 2 quotes for you! You can share quotes from Bestfriend With Benefits story your own in the comment section!

"You can't predict people, you can't predict love. It just came across you somehow, so you'll barely realize it"

"The worst part is sometimes the best part" 

-      Bestfriend With Benefits

Thanks for following our story until the end! Hit likes and follow my account for more story. Don't hesitate to give us feedback, so we can create more exciting story. 

Oh! You can send me ideas too .

Selamat tinggal!

(Goodbye in Bahasa Indonesia)

Fire. The hallway famous quotes can see through aquarium in spherical walk away against the bottom downstairs the people can see the fan of ships or the creature beneath. The new recruits crew to driven the creature such as feeding, eyesight recovery and total care on health. The Left-wingers  just arrived at the Sherlock's Dock much to do than fooling around towards moment of game. The way of workload makes their behaviour such a rebellion to law but even in other part. At dock there is a law just one law it need to run inside the castle and pronounce as loud as the mischief can, and it must be read in five feet apart. If not the castle will put paper work  in Old Scottish Words in rightful posture sitting. Most notable writing will present to the Prince to double check and cross it, if mistakes. The Police will at their side during writing for more information or double checking.

A quite take too much if not have twisted at any climax slang or so-called The Castle. A detective grooming his skills using current gadgets and idea of projections to manifest a crime. Every chance on the castle or inside boats will prevail the killer but to complex tale. The Castle will rock until reunion of technocrats yet low provider but vibes for those in seeking a job. After the tale the jobs will be the prime. Hedious. Human hunting in lining between ladies and girls become the main thing. Through out an experience of low vulgar not from rest of strong lust but interesting sketchs. Crumble.

"What? Dragonborn is changing factions? I didn't expect that. Isn't he the Springfield Flower Kindergarten Guild's chairman? I remember it's one of the top ten Guilds, and they had the intention to buy Guild land. Why did he change factions suddenly? Tsk, tsk, is he jealous of Arthur Bro? Is that why he defected to the other faction? The fee is 100 Magic Stones, I don't think Dragonborn has 100 Magic Stones." Sylvanas was unhappy with Dragonborn.
"I don't know what happened, I just saw the news on the official website. Do you know what happened?"
Arthur looked at Sylvanas, but she shook her head and said, "Let's ask Dragonborn. Though I don't know if he will be willing to talk to us. He must be very jealous of Arthur Bro."
"I'll ask NotWearingPants." Arthur nodded and left. Sylvanas looked at the back view of Arthur, bewildered.
"That's very strange, Arthur Bro…"
…
Darkness, chaos, wailing, and boundless despair.
Bankazia was the most secure prison in the Northern Underworld. It imprisoned the most notorious criminals, like the Ancient Gods believers who plotted against Winterfell. After being pronounced guilty, they were sent here.
There was a new prisoner today—Andrew.
After being the Winterfell Dungeon Lord for less than a month, and as the third successor to Eternal Fire, the prestigious superior Devil had become a lowly criminal.
Eternal Fire didn't comment on Andrew's predicament.
Andrew looked glum as he sat at the back of the prison cell, which was constructed with special materials and methods, and chanted Sherlock's name. Sherlock had become his eternal nemesis.
When Sherlock fought with Samael and saved Winterfell, he became the popular hero, while Andrew became a stone statue. He was like a fool who received no benefits and yet made Sherlock into a hero.
The jealousy in him became a strong, invincible power that was about to explode. However, it didn't explode out.
"9527! Time to take a breather!"
A fully armed Orc used the shaft of his Pike to hit on the metal grille, snapping Andrew out of his jealousy. Then, two Orcs went in and placed strange handcuffs on him, which disabled his Mana and inherent Devil's power.
With only his brute force, Andrew wasn't able to wrestle all of the Orcs to the floor.
"Hua la, hua la…"
Andrew dragged his handcuffs and walked down a long corridor under the escort of a few Orcs. The words on the corridor were:
"Who has not committed mistakes? He who corrects himself is the greatest."
"Sincere repentance is the gateway to your future."
"Turn over a new leaf and create a new life."
These quotes were rather inspiring and provoked deep thoughts, but Andrew had no intention to repent. His mind was full of exacting revenge on Sherlock!
Andrew was dragged to a wind shelter outside the room. It was surrounded by metal railings, and the ground was covered with sand. Many prisoners were standing on the sandy ground.
Who knew how they managed to squeeze so many prisoners in such a small place.
"Go in."
The prison wardens weren't concerned. They pushed Andrew to the entrance before shoving him inside, then they shut the metal door.
The prison was home to various races of the Underworld. Everyone was vile, vicious, and took delight in others' misfortune. Some looked emotionlessly at Andrew, who just came in.
A superior Devil in this prison was a rare sight.
A Vampire stood up. He had the same handcuffs as Andrew, but the prison wardens didn't put a preventive mask on him.
The Vampire bared his fangs and said maliciously, "Newbie, I don't care how well you did before you came in, but now that you're here, you have to listen to me."
The Vampire nodded to the others behind him. Then, a Gnome walked forward and took out a small tattered exercise book. He said to Andrew, "This is the test set by my big boss. Answer all of the questions correctly, and you'll be able to join us. If you answer a question incorrectly, we'll maim you."
An Orc came over and said fiercely, "Don't try any tricks. If you cheat, you'll suffer the consequences."
The Orc patted Andrew's chest and adjusted his cornea, then he leaned back and stared at Andrew. 
"Who do you think I am? Do you think I'm a nobody? Ah?"
Andrew lifted his head and gritted his teeth. He said ferociously, "I'm the third successor of Eternal Fire, the most promising young superior Devil. All the committee members of the Devil Management Committee know me! I almost obtained Michelangelo's relic! If not for Sherlock, I would already be the King of the Underworld!"
Andrew spread out his hands and spoke with agitation, as though what he said had become the truth. He shouted at the creatures who intimidated him, "What kind of trash are you? How dare you put such a thing before me! This is an insult! I'll kill all of you, or I'll be beaten to death!"
Andrew lifted his hand and flicked the exercise book to the ground. The badly worn exercise book dropped a few of its pages, and the other prisoners gasped in astonishment.
"Oh my god, what decadent trash."
"He's too vile, decadent, and cruel."
"It's going to be terrifying. The superior Devil is going to have some bad luck."
The eyes of the Vampire became bloodshot with fury, and he pointed to Andrew as he screamed, "Kill him!"
"Wait a moment."
Before they had a chance to react, a creature calmed them down. They gave way and revealed a figure in the shadows. The creature opened his yellow eyes and asked, "Did you just say… Michelangelo's relic?"


Sherlock is a new generation Dungeon Lord whose ambition is to become the greatest Devil King and building up the greatest Dungeon in the Underworld.
He summons a group of other-worldly goblins who give themselves strange names, form cliques, engage in commerce, and even fight among themselves.
They call themselves—Gamers!

Hyun Jung pulled up in front of Mystic Entertainment and texted KJ. Within ten minutes, KJ was on his way towards the car park where his friend was waiting for him.
"What's up?" KJ asked as he got into the passenger seat. "You sounded really serious last night. Is everything alright?"
He was worried that Hyun Jung had some grim news about the Cartel. Were they up to something? They had been unusually quiet for the past few weeks, which only increased KJ's anxiety.
"Nothing like that," Hyun Jung said, shaking his head. "It's something else."
"What is it then?" KJ frowned.
"You'll see when we get there," Hyun Jung sighed as he pulled back and stepped on the accelerator. 
KJ was confused by his secrecy. Hyun Jung was usually quiet but not so secretive. If there was something on his mind, he would tell it right away. Moreover, he had been investigating the Carel for the past few weeks and received little data on them since the informers were being targeted. 
Did he get some bad news? Did another informer die? What was going on?
….
"This is the big emergency?" KJ questioned in disbelief as he stared at the building in front of him.
"Yup," Hyun Jung replied.
They were standing in front of a large jewelry store. Hyun Jung had kept his mouth shut all throughout the ride only to bring him here?
"What are we doing here?" KJ asked as he put on his mask and cap. "Are you buying something for Somi? I highly doubt I'll be able to help in that!"
"Actually I already got what I wanted," Hyun Jung said. "I just wanted you to be the first one to see it before I give it to her."
KJ was now truly curious as Hyun Jung led him towards the counter. The receptionist greeted them upon their entrance.
"Good morning sirs," she greeted. "How may I assist you today?"
"I'm here to pick up an order," Hyun Jung stated. "Here's the receipt."
He handed the receipt to the receptionist who glanced at it and asked them to wait while she went to the backroom. KJ caught a glimpse of the item on it and was astonished.
"Y-you…" KJ stammered before breaking into a wide smile. Hyun Jung grinned and KJ hugged him.
"Why didn't you tell me this before?" KJ roared happily. 
"I wanted it to be a surprise," Hyun Jung said, letting go of him. "I've actually been planning it for months and saved up a lot in order to get the perfect one. I was planning to wait but then when I saw you and Mirae getting married, I thought maybe it was time for me to finally ask Somi to marry me. We've waited for too long anyway."
His voice held an unsuppressable joy. It was a rare sight for Hyun Jung to be so sheepish. He was always stoic so seeing a softer side to him was always a delight. 
"Your package, sir," the receptionist announced. She was back with a small red box in her hands. Hyun Jung thanked her and opened the box for KJ to see.
Inside it was a small golden ring with a square cut diamond. It was surrounded with miniscule pearls while the band was of a light silver color. Inside the ring, a little quote was engraved inside the ring, all around it. KJ took it and narrowed his eyes to read it.
"When you love you wish to do things for. You wish to sacrifice for. You wish to serve," he read.
"It's from her favorite Hemingway novel," Hyun Jung informed him. "She really loves it and quotes it all the time at home."
"Somi read?" KJ asked in astonishment. She never struck him as the type of person who would read books.
"There's a lot of things people don't know about her," Hyun Jung mused, his voice full of affection at the image of her curled up on bed, engrossed in a book. He liked to observe her expressions whenever she was deeply immersed into the world of her favorite fictional worlds, unaware of how he lovingly gazed at her. 
"So when will you propose to her?" KJ asked. 
"I'm thinking of doing it tomorrow night," Hyun Jung replied. "Till then, I need you to keep the ring safe. Please."
"Can I tell Mirae though?"
"You can but she must keep it a secret until tomorrow," Hyun Jung warned. "I don't want Somi to find out!"
"Fine," KJ snickered. He was really excited. Hyun Jung and Somi had a tumultuous relationship as complicated as his and Mirae's one. They were also separated by circumstances and their second chance was truly inspiring. Sometimes, KJ wished he had the faith and endurance Hyun Jung held for Somi. When Somi tried to distance herself from Hyun Jung for his sake, he still did not give up. Even after learning the truth, he stuck with her, even escorting her to counselling sessions to make her recovery easier. Over the months, Somi was livelier and much more confident. Moreover, she ran the PR department of Mystic Entertainment very efficiently due to the support she received from everyone around her.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Hyun Jung laughed as KJ gave him a strange gaze.
"I'm happy for you, my friend," he smiled. "Somi is very lucky to have you as a partner."
"I'm just afraid she'll say no," Hyun Jung admitted. "We were supposed to get married years ago only if that incident hadn't taken place. That bastard broke her beyond repair…"
The thought of what Teppei did made Hyun Jung's blood boil in fury. The fate Teppei was suffering felt too tame for Hyun Jung.
"Don't think about all that," KJ advised. "The past can't be changed but you can move towards a better future."
He patted his friend's back. "Don't ever let the past get you down," KJ pressed. "The more you think about it, the more you'll be hurt. Only remember to keep faith in the person you are in love with."
"You're right," Hyun Jung agreed. "I'll only think of our future now."
"Atta boy!" KJ exclaimed with a laugh. 


Update: 4 chapters on Monday

Kwon Jiwon, also known as KJ, is the nation's heartthrob. Voted the most handsome and talented idol of the nation, KJ has achieved everything he ever dreamed of. Together with his group, EXOTIC, he is the rebellious idol who is a royalty in the music industry.

But deep inside, KJ is hiding a dark secret, which can threaten everything he worked for. His decade long secret, for which he literally erased time and his past, to achieve the success he has today. 

Despite his success and fame, he is still pained by the past which only he knows about, making him feel isolated from everyone. His only companion is a mysterious talking cat, Jade, who made a dangerous deal with KJ years ago.

However, fate intervenes when KJ is threatened by a criminal cartel. His past re-enters his life in the form of the beautiful but feisty Jung Mirae, the founder of the mercenary group Abyss who is hired to protect him. 

Despite having no recollection of her memories with KJ, Mirae is entangled with the lonely idol who is determined not to reopen the wounds of their erased past. To top it off, Mirae gets involved with Jiwon's best friend, Ash, unknowingly breaking Jiwon's heart in the process. 

What is KJ hiding? What is his connection with Mirae? Will they ever reconnect with each other in the present?



A/N: This is my first attempt at writing a somewhat adult romance. I might be sloppy at it but please bear with me ;-;

NOT SUITABLE FOR ANYONE BELOW 17

The cover is borrowed from google/pinterest but has been modified to suit my characters. Credit goes to original owners. Thank you.

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April 20th 2022. 7:00

"One's failure is another way to succeed."

It was a short message from Ansel's mother, followed by other motivation quotes from famous figures, including from the fictional world.

"Don't believe in quotes written white in a black background with a famous figure that you found on the internet," Ansel replied with another picture.

"I'm trying to motivate you, so you could be more energetic through life."

"Nice try, but I'm getting old and I should have been working for now. Even little sister has graduated last year."

"We're not trying to compare you with her."

"Yeah not you, but some people, and don't forget about society. This moment they may laugh at me, a 24-year-old student almost-NEET. What do you expect from me? I'm tired of moving to another university just because I can't fit into it. And I never forget the day that dad smashed my hard-disk worth of the hobbies that I saved."

Ansel's hand shook, whether to send the risky message or not. He bit his dry lip until it was slightly bleeding. To his conscious, he erased it. Sending those things would result in no more money pocket for a month.

"Thank you," sent.

Ansel threw his phone to the wall.

"Shut up!" his neighbour shouted.

Ansel smirked, "man, you don't understand my pain."

9:55

"The professor gave me one more chance to change my thesis topic; yeah it must be my lucky day," Ansel texted Brian on the way to campus.

"WKWKWKW that damn Hitler. I really want to tear his moustache," Brian replied

"If that Hitler decided to give up, I'll treat you."

"DO IT! Write something that made him seeking isekai!"

Ansel puffed his breath, he held his boisterous laughter. Set his face into straight again. Ansel paced himself up, he was almost late. He calculated that he needs four minutes to reach his department. He shoved people who blocked his way, doesn't matter, they were all his juniors. Some just shouted, but Ansel was too ignorant to care about them.

He went up to the stairs, floor one, two more. Skipped one and two stairs, sometimes jumped up, his heart pumping faster. He was impatient, he wished that time moved slower. Floor two.

9:59

Ansel sped up, it was his maximum speed. His left foot almost slipped from the stairs, he backed up, his right foot reached higher. Sweats running from his forehead to his neck, he rushed away like the wind on full speed.

Floor three.

Finally.

10:00

He arrived on the third floor, where all of his bad dreams resided. The lecturer's hallway, to his right, was a balcony, left was the rooms where

He didn't see a man with a strange costume and weapon blocked the aisle to the lecturer's office. The man was tall, on his right hand a scythe, and left a big watch.

"What the hell a cosplayer does in this place?" Ansel ducked from the weapon, "coming through."

The man swung his scythe to Ansel's feet, Ansel swerved up, and his papers flew across the aisle.

"What the f—"Ansel spat.

Strangely, he and his papers were floating. Ansel couldn't move an inch; the man dragged his scythe along, the man's big watch stood on the place. The scythe and the watch were tied with a golden chain. The man wore a big blue robe, similar to a pastor on the church, as Ansel recalled in mind.

Is it the end? Angel of death? My life was a joke after all.

The man aimed his scythe to Ansel's neck, it was freezing old. Like a kiss of death. Ansel held his breath, his chest felt excruciating pain.

I should've called my family, tell them sorry to disappoint them all these years.

"Tell me, when was the last time you see her?" the man asked, his voice was chill.

"Who, her?"

I thought he would ask "Who's your God?"

The man put his scythe closer to Ansel's neck, he could read Ansel's mind. "Don't you ever joke to god? I'm looking for a woman; she has white hair, very long hair. She has a chilly voice, something that pierces your ears. Tell me, and I'll spare your time."

The woman of his dreams, literary, not figuratively, he recalled the memory again. He tried to speak up with his trembling lips.

"I… I saw her…"

"Very well," the man clicked his finger, Ansel's butt fell first to the floor, and it was a hard landing. Ansel rubbed it, hoping that his bones didn't break. The papers flew to his lap elegantly, it was unfair. "But I won't let you escape until you found it. Take your time," Ansel's feet were tied with a golden shackle.

He peered at the big watch that the man hide behind his robe, the clock was not moving at all. The man flipped the watch; he stared at Ansel with a stern look, pissed off. Quickly, Ansel focused on his papers.

"I found it." Ansel raised the log paper from his thesis project. Behind it was a short diary that he wrote after the bizarre dream.

"Read it to me."

"April 1st 2022. A woman with white long hair, pointed at me at the street near the post office when I walked home. She was tall, wore high heels, and she can run fast. I escaped through the small road."

"19 days ago…She never came back?"

Ansel shook his head. He just lied. Actually, he preferred to hide the truth that he couldn't tell. He also wanted that man to read his mind about his dream.

"Good. Actually, she was an evil being that escaped from my dimension to your dimension. Beware of her; she might use you as a tool to make an apocalypse. Since I am a merciful god from another dimension, I will grant you an escape, to never meet her ever. You may choose: future or past?" he spoke fast like a rapper that about to smash his album on Billboard.

Ansel partly comprehend what he said, then pointed at the man, his hand still shook, "I have a question, who are you?"

"From all nicknames…most people called me Chronos, the ruler of time."

Greek mythology, Ansel was familiar with that name. He wasn't a fan of mythology, but he heard it sometimes on movies. He didn't know that the Greek deities actually existed in another dimension. Ansel overwhelmed with the truth.

"Oh." Nodding his head, Ansel pointed at his feet, "please release me first, your eminence."

"Shake your feet," Ansel did as he said, the shackles turned into dust. "Now, you may choose to go to the future or past? I have time to spend."

"Past, please. To be precise—"

"I could read your wishes and intentions easily like a book," Chronos added, "I'll take you to the time where your fate changed completely."

Ansel awed, "nice, where exactly it could be?"

Chronos didn't answer, he turned his back, and his two small pigtails flowed. He chanted some words and slashed the air with his scythe. Big portal with golden colours swirling in front of them, the swirl has some events that happened in Ansel's life.

"When this portal changed into blue, you must enter."

"Where it would take me?"

"Just trust me; it will be a pleasant time of your life."

The swirl gradually changed its hue, it was green, and then it was dark blue.

Chronos pushed Ansel, "Go! And Godspeed!"

Ansel fell down through the portal. The end of the portal was a speck of white dot, far from his sight. When he got deeper, gravity gradually got stronger. A rush of air, heartbeat fastened, Ansel felt a surge of adrenaline goes to his head. The end of the portal got bigger and bigger. And Ansel crushed hard the white layer of the portal. It was dark.

..

Loud hard bass blasted on a room; Ansel's alarm. He jerked his body out from the bed, reached for his phone. What he saw on the phone made him puzzled.

Monday, 20 April 2020 7:33

But he was sceptical. Brian could sneak into his room and changed the time just to prank him.

Ansel searched for the latest news on the internet.

April 19th 2020, 9.35 P.M, The president's revision made netizen goes mad, here's why.

Click baits popped up on the screen, Ansel swiped them off. Some click baits have no credibility, some of the dates were made up. Ansel searched for local news.

April 20th 2020, 5.30 P.M, A fire struck garment factory, no one was injured.

Ansel swiped up the news, he found the newest.

April 20th 2020, 7:35 P.M, Fire struck house nearby.

"How in the world— Brian probably doing his thesis right now," Ansel rose up. He ran to Brian's room and knocked loudly. "Ey bro? How's the thesis?"

"GOD GAVE MERCY! I HAVEN'T SLEEP FOR THREE EFFING DAYS! SHUT UP!"

"Sorry—"

"DO YOUR OWN THESIS TOO! LAZY ASS!"

"Thesis?" Ansel raised his eyebrows, "but I haven't pass methodology class yet."

Brian opened his door with a slam, "dude, please don't get me with that nonsense joke. Oh, if you ask me 'am I dreaming bro', here," he punched Ansel's arms, "you're awake!"

"Ahaha thanks."

"You better be fast, Mr Ivan will back to Germany next month, if you're late, that bushy professor will check yours instead," Brian locked his door.

Ansel clicked his finger, he opened his laptop. Only to found his first draft of thesis marked 'accepted' at the end of the document. Luckily, the professor was not 'Hitler' this time; his professor was a foreigner, Ivan Sigmund Abene.

He never met Ivan Sigmund before, probably another possibility of his life.

"…fate changed, completely," the words slipped from Ansel's mouth. "How could this happen? Other things must have changed."

Ansel opened the university website portal; he searched for his scores from the past semester. It was unexpected, almost every class that he took, marked perfect. Some of them were professor Hitler's classes. Shook his head, and then pinched his arms.

"It's not a dream."

Still, Ansel didn't have any idea how the event turned up. And why he has to be placed at this moment.

Ansel faded his train of thought; he opened the email, checking the schedule of his thesis. The schedule was so tight, in three days a revision has been done, Ansel widened his eyes, Brian was right. After all, it was a pleasant thing for him.

This time, his dream was not deferred.

"There's still something missing." Chris said thoughtfully. "We're still missing something. I mean after hearing the story of Mr Crouch, he doesn't strike me as a person who'll help someone out of generosity. So why's he so worried about Bertha Jorkins?"
"I also found out something interesting there." Sirius said, looking impressed by Chris. "When I was looking through the Daily Prophet news, I saw Bagman blustering on about how bad Bertha's memory is. I thought, maybe she's changed since I knew her, but the Bertha I knew wasn't forgetful at all — quite the reverse. She was a bit dim, but she had an excellent memory for gossip. It used to get her into a lot of trou­ble; she never knew when to keep her mouth shut."
"Then what happened to her?" Hermione asked.
"I did a little bit digging about Bertha, and his carrier after Hogwarts." Sirius said. "You won't believe what I found out. According to few Ministry employees, Bertha's memory was suddenly effected when she returned from a vacation. Everyone thought maybe she had an some kind of accidents."
"That can happen to anyone. What's surprising in that?" Harry said blankly.
"Here the surprise is, guess she was working for whom, that time?" Sirius asked.
"Mr Crouch." Chris and Hermione said at once.
"Exactly. She was working with Crouch that time. I thought about it, Bertha loosing memory when she was under Crouch and after her disappearance Crouch's personal effort to look for her, there have to be a connection somewhere."
"There's no coincidence in Wizarding world." Chris said seriously. "There must be some connection. I can think of only one thing which can effect a persons memory that badly in Wizarding world."
"Memory charm." Hermione answered. "What if someone put a memory charm on her and Mr Crouch knew about it."
"I was thinking the same." Chris said.
"I agree, that's the only possibility." Sirius sighed. "Bertha was always nossy, so maybe she knew something confidential and Crouch is trying to save the secret. But he's ill now, even not coming to the Ministry office anymore, doesn't sound like him though; but the truth is there is no sign of him. He's giving orders to Ron's brother, what's his name.. Percy. Yes, I saw him at the Ministry working for Crouch."
There was a strong silence.
"Listen I'm telling this to you because I want you to be more careful now on." Sirius continued. "Chris, I saw when the Dragon attacked the stands, I was there. I tried to reach but you were quick that's a good thing. But it was not normal for a dragon so I want each one of you to be more careful until the end of the tournament."
The four of them nodded.
"Very well then. Let's have some butterbeer on three broomsticks, what do you say?" Sirius grinned.
And all of them set off to three broomsticks.
"How are you doing with your second task Harry?" Sirius asked. "Solved the golden egg?"
"I reckon I've got a pretty good idea what it's about now," Harry said.
"Well done." Sirius grabbed his shoulder. "Then I must say, you inherited Lily's intelligence."
"...er..." Harry looked embarrassed. "What about Dad?"
"James." Sirius smiled. "He was brave, great Quidditch player but our brains were always in trouble making."
They all entered three broomsticks.
"Madam Rosmerta!" Sirius roared.
"Black." She smiled and came towards them.
"How are you? You're still as beautiful as the last time I saw you." Sirius said and kissed her hand.
"Oh stop it. Go and find a table. I'm sending the drinks for you all." She grinned and went back.
All five of them sat on a corner table. Sirius was telling them stories of his school days. 
"And one time, me and James went to fight the Giant Squid." Sirius said laughing. "We were in third year that time. Remus was so angry when he found out. We lied, saying we were interested to see the mermaids...." he continued. "And so many times Lily caught us sneaking around the castle at night. We used to hid under James's invisibility cloak after that."
"Hello, Mr Black." Fred and George came.
"How are you boys?" Sirius asked fondly. "Heard about your new invention. Truly inspiring."
Fred and George sat and to everyone's surprise confessed that they were trying to sell their inventions, and that's why they were writing to Bagman.
"Why didn't you asked me?" Sirius said seriously. "I can talk to Zonko. But I suggest you to open your own shop. Create your own thing."
"That's a great idea Mr Black but...." before George finished an unpleasant voice interrupted.
"Mr Black." 
It was Rita Skeeter. 
"How lovely!" She beamed at them. "How about a interview? You and Harry..."
"I wouldn't come near you with a ten-foot broomstick," said Harry furiously. "What did you do that to Hagrid for, eh?"
Rita Skeeter just reminded them about Hagrid. Hermione, Chris, Ron and Harry all of them were glaring at her. Rita Skeeter raised her heavily penciled eyebrows.
"Our readers have a right to the truth, Harry. I am merely doing my ..." she tried to come close to their table.
"Who cares if he's half-giant?" Harry shouted. "There's nothing wrong with him!"
The whole pub had gone very quiet. Madam Rosmerta was star­ing over from behind the bar, apparently oblivious to the fact that the flagon she was filling with mead was overflowing.
Rita Skeeter's smile flickered very slightly, but she hitched it back almost at once; she snapped open her crocodile-skin handbag, pulled out her Quick-Quotes Quill, and said, "How about giving me an interview about the Hagrid you know, Harry? The man be­hind the muscles? Your unlikely friendship and the reasons behind it. Would you call him a father substitute?"
"This is forth time I'm telling you Rita," Sirius got up smiling but that smile wasn't really friendly one. "I'm Harry's Godfather and I don't want you to be around him. And about that interview, you're a capable women, you can write about anyone, without taking their interview. Isn't it like this always?"
Rita Skeeter narrowed her eyes.
"I tell the truth Mr Black. It's my job." She said coldly.
"Your job?" Chris got up. "What is it? Making stories about people? Writing fictions on news paper?"
"You don't know me little girl, you've no idea what I can do." Rita Skeeter said grinning.
"If you're thinking to write about me again, then go on." Chris folded her hand in front her chest. "Let me tell you something Miss Skeeter, I don't give a damn what you write about me."
Rita Skeeter glared at Chris, she didn't take her eyes off.
"I don't know about you, Rita but we all have our lives to think about, you see, we all are really busy." Sirius said and signed them to follow him out.
They all got up and followed Sirius out one by one. Many people were staring at them as they went. Chris glanced back as they reached the door. Rita Skeeter's Quick-Quotes Quill was out; it was zooming backward and forward over a piece of parchment on the table.
"Now you lot back to castle before she grabs any of you." Sirius said hugging Harry once more. "And take care."

"We're going to Hagrid's." Chris said as they entered the castle grounds. "That's enough, Hagrid isn't hiding anymore! That Skeeter can't control our lives. First that new Professor and now this Rita Skeeter. I'd enough."
Chris, Harry, Ron and Hermione ran through the grounds to Hagrid's cabin.
The curtains were still drawn, and they could hear Fang barking as they approached.
"Hagrid!" Chris shouted, pounding on his front door. "Ha­grid, that's enough! We know you're in there!Nobody cares if your mum was a giantess, Hagrid! If you're not going to open this time I'm going to break it. We need our Care of Magical Creatures teacher back. You can't avoid us...."
The door opened. "Anymore!" Chris completed and then stopped, very suddenly, because she had found herself face-to-face, not with Hagrid, but with Albus Dumbledore.
"Good afternoon," he said pleasantly, smiling down at them.
"Professor.... er.... we wanted to see Hagrid," said Chris, while thinking she just threatened Hagrid in front of Dumbledore.
"Yes, I surmised as much," said Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling. "Why don't you come in?"
"Umm... okay." Chris said and she, Hermione, Ron and Harry went into the cabin; Fang launched him­self upon Chris the moment she entered, barking madly and trying to lick her face. Chris hugged him fondly and looked around.
Hagrid was sitting at his table, where there were two large mugs of tea. He looked a real mess. His face was blotchy, his eyes swollen, and he had gone to the other extreme where his hair was con­cerned; far from trying to make it behave, it now looked like a wig of tangled wire.
"Hi, Hagrid," said Harry.
Hagrid looked up.
" 'Lo," he said in a very hoarse voice.
"More tea, I think," said Dumbledore, closing the door behind, drawing out his wand, and twiddling it; a revolving tea tray appeared in midair along with a plate of cakes. Dumbledore magicked the tray onto the table, and everybody sat down. Fang jumped into Chris's lap, Chris scratched him, looking at Dumbledore. There was a slight pause, and then Dumbledore said, "Did you by any chance hear what Miss Norton was shouting, Hagrid?"
"I wasn't really going to break the door." Chris whispered.
Dumbledore smiled at her and continued, "They still seem to want to know you, judging by the way they were attempting to break down the door."
"Of course we still want to know you!" Harry said, staring at Hagrid. "You don't think anything that Skeeter cow — sorry, Pro­fessor," he added quickly, looking at Dumbledore.
"I have gone temporarily deaf and haven't any idea what you said, Harry," said Dumbledore, twiddling his thumbs and staring at the ceiling.
"Er — right," said Harry sheepishly. "I just meant — Hagrid, how could you think we'd care what that — woman — wrote about you?"
Two fat tears leaked out of Hagrid's beetle-black eyes and fell slowly into his tangled beard.
"Living proof of what I've been telling you, Hagrid," said Dum­bledore, still looking carefully up at the ceiling. "I have shown you the letters from the countless parents who remember you from their own days here, telling me in no uncertain terms that if I sacked you, they would have something to say about it .."
"Not all of 'em," said Hagrid hoarsely. "Not all of 'em wan' me ter stay."
"All of the people in school don't like me much either, do they?" Chris said still patting Fang. "If you're going to think about the people like Malfoy then I don't know what to say. Weren't you the one, who told me and Hermione that there is nothing wrong to be muggle-borns? Now you're hiding in this cabin for the same reason."
"Yeh — yeh're not half-giant!" said Hagrid croakily. "That's different."
"So what Hagrid?" Chris said angrily. "We don't know who your mother was. We just know you and I feel that's enough for me. You're the person who loves every creature and never hurt anyone. No matter what people think you're the best Care of Magical Creatures teacher for us."
"Yes. Come back and teach, Hagrid," said Hermione quietly, "please come back, we really miss you."
Hagrid gulped. More tears leaked out down his cheeks and into his tangled beard.
Dumbledore stood up. "I think Miss Norton told you everything I was asking you to understand. So I refuse to accept your resignation, Hagrid, and I expect you back at work on Monday," he said. "You will join me for breakfast at eight-thirty in the Great Hall. No ex­cuses. Good afternoon to you all."
Dumbledore left the cabin, pausing only to scratch Fang's ears. When the door had shut behind him, Hagrid began to sob into his dustbin-lid-sized hands.
"C'mon Hagrid, Chris punched Malfoy for you and got detention." Ron said. "Can I have one of these cakes, Hagrid?"
Hagrid looked up, "Help yerself" he said to Ron then looked at Chris. "Yeh shouldn't 've Chris."
"It's alright. I don't get detention much. Now tell me are you going to face the world confidently or still going to hide here for rest of your life?" Chris said.
"Great man, Dumbledore … great man …" said Hagrid, wiping his eyes on the back of his hand. "Ar, he's righ', o' course — yeh're all righ' … I bin stupid … my ol' dad woulda bin ashamed o' the way I've bin behavin'. …" More tears leaked out, but he wiped them away more forcefully, and said, "Never shown you a picture of my old dad, have I? Here …"
Hagrid got up, went over to his dresser, opened a drawer, and pulled out a picture of a short wizard with Hagrid's crinkled black eyes, beaming as he sat on top of Hagrid's shoulder. Hagrid was a good seven or eight feet tall, judging by the apple tree beside him, but his face was beardless, young, round, and smooth — he looked hardly older than eleven.
Chris smiled seeing the picture.

"Your daughter is a witch, Mr Norton."
"A what?"

A perfectly normal girl's world turns upside down when she was informed that she is a witch and she will attend the Wizarding school Hogwarts. 

A story of a muggle-born witch who has to face the problems created by the dark lord and many more unknown dangers. 

Her journey is much more than any other student. She is specially chosen for something. Join her and see the Magical world from her point of view.



Disclaimer: Jk Rowling owns the Original Harry Potter series.  I don't.

P.S: This is my first time writing a novel.

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