Shhh It was a secret read and  discover it youself!!!!!???????????????☺????

While loneliness has haunted humans ever since the beginning of time, there's perhaps no generation harder hit by feelings of isolation than Millennials. Careers, commutes, and the post -college drift can make it tough for anyone to keep in contact with friends and family, and for us in particular,studies show a staggering 30% of Millennials struggle with meaningful companionship.
There's no quick-and-easy cure for our lack of connection, but when it comes to breaking free from isolation, there's few books more helpful than Carson McCullers' classic The Heart is a Lonely Hunter.

Set in a small Southern town, we follow the intersecting paths of an eccentric cast of characters, drawn together by chance and kept apart by their own shortcomings. As we switch between the perspectives of a principled physician, a precocious teen, a drunken rabble-rouser, and a long-suffering proprietor, we're given an inside look at the ways humans clash and connect. With elegant prose and piercing insight, McCullers' narrative forces us to confront ourselves and ask some truly tough questions. When do we put our pride above our happiness? What keeps us from really expressing the things we most care about?

profoundly human story has a lot to teach us today about the ways we treat each other and ourselves as we wind our way through the world.

When Happy sat among one hundred students and listened to the sound of them reading out loud, he felt as if he had left the world of martial artists. The atmosphere was incredibly calm and peaceful. 
He held a book in his left hand while sitting among the students in his blue robe. He flipped through it quietly and read the lines while noting some things down with his right hand. He never stopped, as if he had used some sort of hack. His written lines were neat but wild, and his words quickly covered the white sheet of paper. 
The developers of the game had not created a programme that would make the players practice their calligraphy in the game. Hence, as long as the players paid attention and read the words, they would naturally write the words on the paper instead of having to do it themselves. 
It was a very quick way to obtain Comprehension points, since it was much faster than practicing and pushing a martial art to Grandmaster Realm. Hence, the players sometimes needed to stay patient and spend time reading and writing. 
For the sake of fairness, even if a player paid a lot of money to increase their Comprehension, they would need to read the books before their Comprehension would increase. The system only helped them write down the words.
Ding!
There was a clear sound of the notification from the system.
"Successfully learned the Three Character Classic. Comprehension +1."
The first book swiftly vanished from Happy's hand. 
Hey did not find it strange and picked up another book from the table, flipped open the first page, and began reading it out loud. 
Books like the Three Character Classic contained the easiest and most concise academic knowledge. The time required to read through them once was also the shortest. The others would require at least half an hour while some even up to two hours! Hence, reading and writing became the main theme of Happy's life that day. 
He did not go to classes in reality, but instead came to the game to read and write. Many people would find it hilarious and strange. 
"The Osprey sings on the small island in the river. A kind and beautiful girl is the ideal partner for a boy."
Since Happy had experience from his previous life, he could easily read aloud many of the sentences, and he did so with great ease. He finished reading and writing the entire book in one go and looked like one of the NPC students who served as a background beside him. 
Happy did not notice that the players further away had already become dumbstruck. 
They could be considered as old timers in the private school, and when they were free, they would come there to chat. However, they had only met a handful of people who came to the school to study. Most would just quickly glance at the books and would run away after they saw the exorbitant prices. Sometimes, a rich person would drop by and read Three Characters Classics, but they would be defeated by the prices after that too. 
None of them were like Happy.
He had a pile of stupidly expensive books in front of him while he waved his brush and wrote at a moderate pace. He looked as if he wanted to spend all his money in the school. 
But even if he wanted to spend his money, he needed to actually have it first. 
The six people were completely intimidated by Happy's presence and bearing! They held their breaths and did not even dare to breathe loudly while whispering into each other's ears to try and guess his identity. 
"He bought around ten of them… That's at least five hundred thousand, maybe six hundred thousand taels of silver."
"If we convert it to RMB, that's tens of thousands. This brat sure is willing to spend his money. Isn't it better to just buy a few high-tier martial art manuals if he's so rich? What's the point of pushing his Comprehension so high now?"
"Who knows? Besides, how would you know if he doesn't have any high-tier martial arts? Judging by his bearing, he doesn't treat money as anything. Tsk, tsk, when can I also be like him?"
"The likes of you? You waste your life when you have nothing to do! If I have to say, you can forget about it in this life, that is, unless there is an inflation!"
"Shut your trap."
While the group chatted, it gradually lost its interest in the stranger who continued to read without looking at anyone. The six bent over their tables and continued to spend their time in boredom. 
Throughout it all, Happy never stopped. He was completely immersed in reading and writing, and the books on his table vanished one after another. 
Sometimes, he would log out, but when he logged in, he would return to the private school and pick up a book without any hesitation. He continued reading out loud and writing from where he had stopped. During that period of time, the people who had been stationed in the private school to keep watch had been switched a few times. 
Ding!
When the system notified Happy that he had obtained another Comprehension point, he heard the sound of footsteps, and a person walked into the private school. The change in the lighting made Happy instinctively cast a glance at the entrance. 
It was a man with an incomplete silvery-white mask. He only had half his face in the open while standing not far away from Happy. His footsteps were steady, and he had one hand pressed against his sword. He gave off a noble and aggressive feeling! His presence was that of a military man. 
He had a cold expression on his face while he stood at the entrance of the private school. He swept through the school with a scrutinizing glance, and soon, he noticed Happy, because he was really eye catching in his blue robes while he sat among a sea of white-robed scholars. 
Happy did not give off the presence of a wandering martial artist when in his blue robes. He held a book in his hand while he read out loud. Since he had been doing it for a long time, his gaze had become calm, and his presence was one of indifference. He created the image of a scholar who stood aloof to the rest of the world, and the books before him gave him an unfathomable air. 
Their gazes met in the air, and their expressions changed. Two different presences clashed. One of them was tough, while the other was gentle. However, when the two gazes met, unimaginable sparks flew. 
The man with the silver mask had a tough and fierce presence, a cold and indifferent temperament, and his gaze was sharp. He looked like a saber that had been drawn from its scabbard. He made other people feel as if the air had frozen. 
The six players in the private school were completely intimidated. They held their breaths and looked at each other at a loss. 
Happy was the exact opposite. 
Even though he had the calm look of a scholar, when he faced the silver-masked man, he did not seem to have noticed the aggressive presence that made the newcomer seem like a mountain. He was like a vast and calm ocean that had no waves. While he sat, he made the silver-masked man feel as if the aggressive presence he gave off struck nothing. He felt slightly awkward and unhappy. 
His gaze darkened. 
'A powerful enemy!'
He nodded quietly to show his respect. The silver-masked man then searched for a spot, placed his sword on the ground, and sat down. His posture made him look like a general who had just returned to the imperial court. 
While he stared at the person's back, ripples slowly appeared in Happy's heart. The memories that were buried in the depths of his mind gradually became clear when he examined the familiar incomplete silver-white mask. 
'It's him!'
He was a legendary player who was rumored to be a retired military man. He had created a military martial art himself and killed a high-ranking player who had a high-tier martial art at the seventh realm. It was an event which had shocked the entire World of Martial Arts. 
The man's name was Silver Wolf. 
Happy remembered that Silver Wolf had become famous very early on and stirred up the tide of players creating their own martial arts. Even he was affected by many of Silver Wolf's battle replays. From them, he gradually came to understand that martial arts counteracted each other. It was a pity, however, that before long, Silver Wolf completely disappeared from World of Martial Arts. 
Silver Wolf did not return after Happy rose to power. He seemed to have retreated from the World of Martial Arts because of some events in reality. It made Happy feel incredibly regretful, because he longed to have his skills advance after facing such a tough opponent!
He did not expect that they would have the chance to meet again under such circumstances. 
Silver seemed to have noticed Happy's attentive gaze. He turned around while sitting in the front with the hidden part of his face toward Happy. The holes where his eyes were shone with a profound light. There was a hint of wariness and puzzlement in the man's eyes. 
Happy smiled to show good will. Then, he redirected his gaze to the book in his hands. 
It was best if he did not interfere with the events that had nothing to do with him. 
Silver Wolf might be destined to only be a passerby who would appear briefly in his life. 
Speaking of which, he only needed three more Comprehension points to reach the requirements to practice Seven Stars Sword. It was a high-tier sword technique in Mystical Realm, and it would be his first high-tier sword technique. 


When he returned to the World of Martial Arts, the game was filled with blood and battles! Chen Kaixin had chased after the footsteps of the one emperor, two empresses, three princes, seven dukes, and thirteen aces for three years, but during the eve of the Sword Among Us tournament in Mount Hua, he was ambushed by evil bastards, and was killed so much that his level dropped to that of a newbie. He completely lost the chance to join the ranks of the powerful players in the game! In great disappointment, Kaixin quit the game and got drunk so that he could forget his sadness, but during that stormy night, Chen Kaixin found that he had actually dreamed for a total of three years, because when he woke up again, he woke up to three years ago, when he was still a student. 

'Bright...' Neon eyes twitched, as it slowly open, revealing his sparkling eyes.

'It's morning huh...' Neon sleepily looked outside his window, as he laid on his bed and saw the blue sky, clear of cloud making the sun majestic appearance present with no clouds covering it.


'Since its still early, I assume Naruto is still at his academy, and since thats the case, I should first check the last remaining reward I got.' Neon remembered he just spent his time last night at the VR realm.

'System how do I access my Self-Dimension?' Neon asked as he does not know how to go to his dimension.

'Simple, Host just need to say 'Access' and you will be directly sent to your own dimension.'

"Mn," Neon nodded.

"Access," Neon whispered quitely.

White sparkling lights suddenly covered Neon, who was laying on the bed. He the. completely dissapeared without any trace to be found 

...

Neon Self-Dimension~

The dimension spans 15 kilometers and beyond that was just empty white, nothing to be seen. The place was also rich in energies surpassing the quality and quantity outside.

The dimension was just flat, no hills to be spotted. The sky was painted blue as clouds spread around it. Green grass and many flowers spread all across the dimension as they gently fluttered, as the cool wind blows through them. Somewhere in the middle of the dimension, a small house made out of wood was erected, nearby it was 3 training ground made out of smooth, black stone, and a big, building with a sign 'Library'

'Beautiful...' Neon was unable to move, seeing this beautiful landscape of his dimension.

Neon then decided to check out the buildings he spotted who he though was the free things his system gave to him.

Neon first checked the training ground out of stones, and then went to the house next.

All Neon saw in the house was basic tools, a bed, chair, and a table. Neon left the scene quite dissapointed.

Neon then arrived infront of the library, where the outside appearance was simple, with no amazing design.

Creak..!

Neon was slack-jawed, seeing the inside of the library. 

Inside was amazing, as there was many shelves that seemed to be infinite, densely packed with many different books, and there was no walls to be seen, but was like space itself.

Neon lick his lips as he grin, he can't wait for what this library hold for him.

Neon carefully picked up a single book next to him and read it.

"Air slash - form a deadly slash by condensing wind"

Neon then put the book back, and then pick another one.

"Hway Turtle Defence"

"Bone-Slaying Dagger Art"

"Dragon-Vajra Body"

"Blacksmith Art!"

"Alchemist Biography"

...
...

Neon read many of the books, but he slowly started to sweat dropped and worrt since he saw there's was still many books that even if he spent his entire life here he may not even learn it all.

'What should I do..' Neon pinched his nose, closed his eyes, and stared to wracked his head for a solution.

Time passed by quickly, as Neon pondered.

"Aha!" Neon smiled brightly.

'System, is their by any chance that all Naruto techniques is here...?' Neon bit his lip, he was hoping in his heart that system will say yes.

'Yes, all Ninja Arts are here,'

'Yes!' Neon laugh, as he heard what the system said, since he will not go any trouble to learn the Art he wanted.

'But how am I supposed to find it here...?' Neon rub his nape, as he look at all the shelves that seems to be infinite, filled with many books.

'Host, don't worry this system has solution,' The system brought light in Neon heart.

'Really!?' Neon smiled.

'Hurry tell me!' Neon voice was loud, as he tap his finger impatiently.

'....'

'Its called 'Search' a function of this library.' A panel appeard before Neon, there contains a search bar, a classic one.

'Search, Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu.' Neon rub his hands together.

Neon then saw many books dissapearing before his eyes, before settling on one brown book.

'Hehe..' Neon grin, as he hold the book.

'Now no one can compare to my learning speed once I learn this.' Neon know how valuable this jutsu, and even more if he improve it once his knowledge expand after reading some of the book in the library.

Neon then shook his head, and focused on the book on his hand. He opened it and carefully read it.

Time passed, and Neon successfully completed comprehending the jutsu.

'Since my control is so great I should able to this without hand sign.' Neon focused as he willed his Natural Forces like the guide said in the book.

Poof! 
Poof!
Poof!
Poof!
.
.
.
.

Neon felt his reserved quickly losing its quantity, as many smokes appeard all over the library.

'Thankfully my Natural Forces is many tiers stronger than a chakra or I will no able to make this much clone...' Neon was dumbfounded, looking around and saw many him that was impossible to count.

Cough!

"You all me! Listen up! Today were gonna grind to the max, so work your ass to the best! You hear me!?" Neon shouted with all his might.

"Yes!!!" A defeaning sound exploded all around the library, almost causing Neon ears to explode.

"Now get to the work!" Neon shouted, but then he immediately curse himself for what he said 

"Roger, boss!" Another defeaning sound exploded, causing Neon headache.

All the clone march, taking all the books they can found and read it again and again, until they completelt comprehend it.


Today also marked the birth of the Invisible, Multi-Teaching Army Of N.E.O.N.





'

I am a Teacher. A profession that I'm proud to to have and show. A profession that was destined to be mine. My loved ones want me to have. A profession that made my name famous through the multiverse as "Almighty Teacher"

....
Note: The cover is not mine if it's yours, you can kindly tell me to remove it.

Tao.
The man Park had said she had burnt. The beginning point of all that she had been alleged as guilty of.
Jim was almost afraid to ask, but the words involuntarily left his mouth.
"What happened?"
Miya looked at him silently, her face vacant. Her eyes held a darkness he had never seen before. Her glare was burning, cutting him from the inside. A chill went down Jim's spine, as he looked at that face. A strange, sinister despair hung between them. It was almost as if he wanted to speak, but something clawed at his throat, throttling him from within.
The temperature around them seemed to have frozen. 
Jim was afraid of what he might find out, if he uttered but one single word.
Her eyes told him that she would tell him the truth. And yet, his gut told him that he didn't want to find out.
Miya's eyes didn't leave his. 
Jimmy swallowed. 
No.
Maybe some other time.
Just then, his phone buzzed, and the young master jumped up. Then he looked at a text message that he had received, and sighed. His body sagged in relief. From the corner of his eyes, he saw that Miya was looking at the sun again. 
He was glad that the moment had passed.
He didn't want to deliberate the matter, as to whether he should have insisted on knowing, but he had found a useful distraction.
Coughing, he said in a low voice.
"How do you know Rebecca?"
It was at that exact moment that all colour drained from Miya's face. She looked at Jimmy horrified. Her demeanour somehow returned to normal, and the darkness dissipated.
"I totally forgot about sister Becky!" she shrieked, and was about to jump out from the chair, when Jimmy held her hand. He was strangely calmed by the fact that she wasn't looking threatening anymore.
"I got a man sent to the library when we left," he informed her gently, "I just received his text. Rebecca did wake up a while ago, but she ate some food and slept again. He was asking for permission to leave for a while."
Miya was instantly relieved.
She looked at Jim gratefully, and silently mumbled a "Thank You".
Jim smiled.
"Then," he said again, "How did the two of you meet?"
Strangely, Miya was at ease now. She let out a soft chuckle. It lightened the atmosphere quite a bit. Her next words were almost jolly.
"It was thirteen years ago," she said.
Jim's eyes shot up at that, but he quickly maintained his expression. Thirteen years… Park had told him that Miya was 27. Which meant, she had met Rebecca when she was 14.
Holy sh*t. 
Then this was, in all probability, an incident from the time when Park had told him that she had disappeared and went missing for ten years. She had disappeared at 12, after escaping from the mental health facility, right?
Jim sat alertly in his chair.
"I was around 14," Miya continued, "Becky was slightly older. Around 19, I think. We met in the most unusual circumstances. Um… I was being bullied by some kids. And I passed out from fighting them. Becky found me and took me in."
Jim had the urge to scowl, but he remained calm. 
Where did you go to Miya? Why were you being bullied to the point of passing out?
"Have you heard of the Storm family?"
Jim frowned, then shook his head.
Miya sighed.
"Jonathan Storm, and his wife Meera. They were good people. In 2004, when riots broke out in the entire country, they were one of the victims. Uncle Jonathan had a small publishing house, and Meera was a director, of documentaries mainly. A social activist of kind. They also had a son. Sis Becky's younger brother, Adrian. He was a victim to the violence too."
Jim's frown deepened at that.
Why did it feel like he had heard that story somewhere before?
Miya continued.
"I lived with them for around a month, and they taught me how to read. That's when I started reading a lot of books. I and Becky became friends too, and she taught me all the bad stuff."
Miya looked at the sky with a satisfied smile.
"We used to smoke all day long, when uncle and aunt were off to work. She was the classic spoilt child, the distress of a well reputed family. She had zero interest in studies, or anything at all. She would just stir up trouble everywhere. I followed suit too," Miya was chuckling now, "We formed a sort of gang. She was this tall, short-haired military girl dressed in provocative clothes. And I was her right hand man. My dress code was a black shirt that had a painted skull on it, and a pair of shorts. Together, we ruled over the other kids."
A laugh left her throat.
Jim was still frowning.
"Becky bullied me into learning how to fight. And Adrian, God. He was 12, and was so tall and strong, and he'd be so mad at his sister when she taught me wrong moves. He'd train me himself. He was such a pleasant fellow, and a typical nerd. He wanted to be a script writer, and he would often seek me out to let me hear his stories," Miya sighed, "It was a good time."
And darkness filled her heart again. To be honest, it had been a long time, and she didn't even remember the boy's face clearly anymore. But the fact that he had died so young, still hurt.
"You liked him, huh?" Jim's face still had a frown, but he read the sadness on her face. He immediately wanted to console her.
Thankfully, it worked.
Miya's lips spread into a soft smile.
"He was a brother of sorts to me, yeah," she said, "But I do believe he wanted to marry me. He asked me twice."
Miya's chuckle was hearty, and Jim was instinctively on defence.
"You mean I'm not the first one to propose to you?!" he asked aloud, and the missus just chuckled.
"You're not even second, young master," she replied with a sirk.
"Huuuhh?! Who was the first?!" Jim's expression was offended. Miya laughed.
"Well, that's a secret."
She winked at him, and then put a small finger on her lips.
The air was filled with silence. 
Neither realized that they were still holding hands. When it occurred to Jim, he wanted to let go. But strangely, Miya tightened her hold on him. A second later, she breathed deeply and asked:
"Why your mother? If you don't mind, of course."
Jim was surprised. He hadn't thought she'd really ask him that. He shrugged nevertheless.
"She… She was the first person to yell at me. That's my worst memory."
Miya gave the young master a small glance, and then slowly shook her head.
"You don't have to tell me," she sighed, "But don't lie."
Jim's breath was caught in his throat.
How did she know? 
Miya read the question on his face.
"Your pulse. It quickened for a second, then calmed down way too fast. It's a classic sign of when somebody is taken by surprise, and then finally lies."
Jim's jaw dropped.
"You freak!" he muttered, looking accusingly at their intertwined hands, "You took my pulse!"
"Well of course!" came the daring reply.
Jim didn't know whether to laugh or be surprised. So, he just looked at her in absolute horror and indignity.
Miya laughed.
Her hair was ruffling with the wind, and most of it fell to her face. It was a beautiful shade really, now that it was paired with a bright yellow. Jim sighed. 
Miya's laugh sounded sweet too. Almost as if she were a free sprite.
Free… 
And something struck Jim's mind. His eyes went wide with surprise, and he immediately frowned. 
Free. Free.
Oh, yes!
Yes, that was it!
"Jonathan Freeman Storm!" Jimmy yelled out loud, jerking up from his chair suddenly, "You're talking about Jonathan Freeman Storm! The Toby-Freeman Publications!"
Miya was surprised.
"Yes, that's Rebecca's father. Did you know him?"
"Know him? Well of course I knew him. He was one of my father's colleagues!"
With that, Jim laughed out loud.
This sis Becky of Miya's… 
She was actually Rebecca Freeman Storm!

Mr. Jimmy Hunter is in a fix. He is the C.E.O. of the prestigious Hunter Corporation, currently at loggerheads with his father, Senior Mr. Hunter, the Chairman. Jimmy is the only heir, and yet his father refuses to grant him his inheritance. Unless, of course, he fulfills one condition - gets married before his next birthday! 
The clock is ticking, and the young master still hasn't found a bride. There's only twenty four hours left, and yet, there are plans to be made. Until with his two best friends, Jimmy comes up with an idea. One that would get him his 'perfect' bride, and help him get back at his father too! If only the bride would agree though...
Enter Miya!
She's strong, hard headed, foul mouthed and comes with a kid! And there's nothing that pisses her off more than an arrogant rich brat, who also happens to be a pervert. Oh well, she would teach him a lesson!

You're welcome to brainstorm - https://discord.gg/kBgMJyN
D.M. at - Saumya_Singh#5278

"So," Kishan said turning back to face me with a mildly amused smile, "would you like to have cookies with me?"

I could not help but let out a sigh before I smiled back. "Sure just let me grab some coffee." With that he went to sit at the table. 

Click click click click

I heard the sound of him typing on his phone as I made myself a cup of instant coffee. As I pulled out the chair to sit down however he quickly closed it and put it face down on the table.

"So Bailey," he said looking up at me as I gently stirred the milk into my coffee. His dark eyes were lit with amusement. "How likely is it that we've been set up?" he asked casually. 

I slightly raised an eye brow at his direct attitude. I sipped my coffee to buy time to contemplate my answer.

"Well it's not an accident that I'm here but I find it hard to believe Ariel would fake car troubles not to be here, so I don't know." I decided to answer honestly. I have always appreciated people who cut to the chase rather than being cryptic and beating around the bush.

I was raised up north where people say what they mean and mean what they say. However the summer before I started high school my family moved to just an hour north of New Orleans on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain. I still lived in the area.

Kishan's calm yet direct attitude was a breath of fresh air to me. This kind of attitude can be hard to find in the south.

"Hmm," was all he said as he sipped his coffee. I took advantage of the momentary silence that no longer felt as awkward to take a bite from a cookie. "You said you were an English Lit. major so tell me, what is your favorite classic?"

"Pride and Prejudice," I answered easily. I can always talk about books.

"How come?"

"Well, originally I fell in love with the 6 hour mini series as a child. It was my favorite 'movie'," I made air quotes with one hand. "I can still waste a day watching it. I didn't actually read the book until I was in high school but I was not disappointed with it at all. It's not just my favorite classic, it's my favorite period."

He smiled in a relaxed manor that made him very easy to talk to. Though I am generally the quiet type until you get to know me my words flowed naturally. His whole presence gave off a very calm but sturdy feeling that was aided by his smooth baritone voice. 

Also did I mention he was handsome? Dangerously so.

"What do you like about it so much?" he asked taking a bite of his own cookie. 

"I love the dynamic between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy as they get to know each other and fall in love in spite of themselves. And how they still end up together even though Mr. Darcy screwed up his initial proposal.

"Not only that, I love how the side characters have their own love stories and are well thought out. The problems they all face real problems but nothing so exaggerated like todays romances. Don't get me wrong, I love a good K-drama but exactly how many people actually fall into a coma only to wake up and have temporary amnesia?

"Though it's a historical romance it's so much easier to relate to how one simply falls for a person in spite of everything. Jane and Mr. Bingley are so sweet together providing the perfect compliment to Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's turbulent relationship." 

As I spoke he listened attentively sipping his coffee and finishing off a cookie. Finally I realized I was rambling on about a romantic story, which he probably would not be interested in, so I ended my speech.

"So," I said mildly embarrassed. "Do you like to read?"

"No," he answered then allowed a dramatic pause to happen before continuing, "I love it. So much so I just recently finished my PHD in English Literature." His smile was slightly playful as he finished his sentence.

My face rapidly switched from showing my momentary stomach clenching horror from embarrassing myself to wide eyed with surprise.

'So this man likes to play jokes,' was my first thought. 

"Mr. Kishan, was the dramatic pause really necessary?" I complained knowing I had been had.

"Hmm," he took another sip of his coffee. "I'm not sure what you're referring to," he said though his expression still said otherwise.

I let it go with a small sigh. "Then what is your favorite?" I asked sipping my own coffee. He thought for a moment before answering.

"I can't say I have a favorite book but my favorite collection would have to be the Sherlock Holmes series."

"So you're a mystery type." 

The conversation flowed naturally from then on as we continued to discuss different books we had both read. We discovered we had a lot of the same taste in literature and before we realized it the cookies were gone and our coffee was cold. 

Almost an hour later Ariel and her mom finally returned. When the door opened the two of us had been laughing over a comedic part of the book we were discussing. I looked over and met Ariel's inquisitive gaze. 

"Sorry we're so late," Ariel's mom said looking up at the clock that hung on the wall. "The tow truck took much longer to show up than they initially said." Both her and Ariel walked over to the table. "Kishan this my daughter Ariel, Ariel this is Kishan."

Kishan stood and shook her hand as they exchanged greetings. Ariel was all done up ready for her date wearing a beautiful bright orange dress. Reminding me that she knew what would happen when I came over dressed like I normally was.

"It's unfortunate but I don't think we will be able to make our dinner reservation tonight," Kishan said looking at his leather watch. 

"We can reschedule for tomorrow night if you're free," Ariel's mom suggested.

"Actually," Kishan hesitated for a moment before saying, "if it's alright with you I would like to change plans." He turned to look at me with an anxious expression and continued, "Bailey, would you like to go out with me tomorrow night?"

I instantly blushed at the unexpected question. "Aaa sure," I said somewhat dazed. His shoulders and face relaxed at my response. I had not noticed when they had tensed. 

We quickly exchanged numbers and set a time for him to pick me up from my place. As he was leaving he turned his head around to say, "Make sure you dress up tomorrow." 

Thunk. The door closed behind him leaving us three women standing there momentarily stunned. It was Ariel's mom who broke the silence.

"Bailey, if you are scheduled to work tomorrow get someone to cover your shift. We need to spend the day shopping for a dress."

"Aaa, I'm off tomorrow." 

"Good. Be here by 9 o'clock and we will all go together. This is unexpected but a good result nonetheless." She promptly turned to leave, leaving no room for discussion. 

Thunk. The door closed behind her as she left. As soon as she did Ariel grabbed the sleeve of my hoodie and started jumping up and down excitedly.

I am your average American girl from a middle class family. One of the last people you would expect to have an arranged marriage. However thanks to my best friend that was exactly what happened! Not only that he has two young kids! I suddenly became a wife and a mother much sooner than I thought I would. I am not ready for this but since I said I would I'll do my best!

_____

Kishan and Bailey quickly become a married couple because of his family circumstances. Will they be able to find true love in this arranged marriage? 

But life never goes perfectly smooth. They will have to face many trials that come with being a multiracial and multicultural couple living in the southern United States. Love, marriage, and parenthood are not easy. But nothing is impossible if you have found the right person and are both dedicated to making it work.

Sato and Gray both headed into the orphanage. Of course, when the children realised that the pair was visiting, they immediately went on a frenzy spree. The newly painted door was opened and revealed a large number of children greeting the couple.

"Good morning Big brother Sato and Big brother Gray!"

"Ah! Big brother Sato is here to play with us again!"

"Hey guys! Don't forget to thank Big brother Gray for the awesome playground!"

"Oh, I forgot! Thank you, Big brother Gray!"

"Thank you!"

...

The atmosphere was exactly the same as before, just that this time, instead of just Sato getting all the attention, Gray too, was getting a fair bit of love from the children. Gray smiled and rubbed the little boy's head. When the Sisters of the Sunflower Orphanage saw Gray's smile, they couldn't help, but blush. Gray was simply too handsome.

"Alright, alright. We should let Sato and Gray into the orphanage. Don't make them stand outside in the cold for too long." Shooing the children away was a norm for Mother Maria. She gave Sato a hug and brought the pair around to see the progress.

It was Gray's first time back here, ever since he decided to just let the contractors do their job of renovating. As the couple first stepped into the hallway, what was once chipped wood flooring, had been refloored and varnished over to create a nice dark hardwood floor. The walls no longer had mossy stains from the damp old drywall and was replaced with a nice clean white cement plastered finish. The scratched up windows of the Orphanage from the wear and tear of the children's games had also been replaced with more durable alternatives.

The stairs that lead upstairs to the children bedrooms had also received a redo. Be it the steps on the stairs or even the railings, they had all been teared down and replaced with a smooth and cleaner finish that complemented the current new aesthetic. It was crazy how the contractor had managed to finish such a huge renovation in a short period of time.

Gray must've rushed the hell out of those poor man, thought Sato guiltily. Yet, when seeing the final product, he was still thankful for what Gray had done for the children and those that work in the orphanage. The children's two room had also been renovated over and now, the place was definitely more cheerful. The walls had been painted over with a bright yellow. The old beds had all been replaced with more comfortable double decker beds. In addition, on the wall near the entrance to the room, there was a brand new addition.

"Wow! Look at all these books!" Sato walked up to look at the new varieties of short stories that were available. The classic story time books like Cinderella, Pinocchio, Snow white and the Seven Dwarves, Bambi and many more, were placed on the tall bookshelf. The craziest part about this was that there were even books that Sato had never heard of when he was a child. For a crazy fanatic of studying, Sato was also an avid reader.

To be able to read a vast variety of books as a child, it gave Sato a good foundation when it came to writing essays and building up strong vocabulary. Now, the children would be able to do the same and not be stuck reading the same few books.

Sato looked behind him to find the culprit. He gave Gray a thankful nod and a smile. That was more than enough for the love-struck General.

... 

The day went by in a blink of an eye. Sato and Gray entertained the children in doors, ranging from card games to helping them with school work. Although the children were orphans, they were enrolled into the nearby public school that was free of charge.

Unlike Sato who felt and acted like a big brother, Gray was more like a teacher. Surprisingly, Gray was extremely patient with children. His cold and quiet aura was nonexistent when teaching the little kids. He was even able to explain to them using simple terms. By the end, everyone called Gray, Teacher Gray, instead of Big brother. Gray was very happy with his new nickname.

At night, after they had tucked in the children with a new bed time story, the pair could finally sit down and talk with Mother Maria. She was really thankful for everything that Gray and Sato had done. After all, this would not have been possible in her wildest dreams.

"It is really nothing, Mother Maria." Gray told her the truth. To him, these things were really nothing. It was the outcome that mattered more in this case. "I'm more than happy to see the children live in a better environment."

"Yes, yes. The children really adore you for what you had given them. Also, speaking of giving, I have good news to share." Mother Maria took out a clear file that contained several documents. On one of them, it had a picture of a little girl from the Sunflower Orphanage.

"After liaising with The Miracle Foundation, we received a response from them a week later. There was a couple that was interested in adopting, Little Leah. I met up with them to have a chat the other day and they seemed like really great people. So after a week of paperwork, they will officially adopt Little Leah tommorow."

The smile on Mother Maria face was extremely warm and blissful. She had waited many years for potential parents that would be willing to adopt these poor little children. Yet, it was never successful and so, in the end, there were many orphans that had to live independently once they cross a certain age. It was truly heartbreaking.

Tommorow would be the first successful adoption of the Sunflower Orphanage. The Three year old Leah would be brought into a loving home and loved by her new parents.

To the two boys that made it possible for this to happen, Mother Maria was very grateful and thankful for their kind souls.

Sato had to drop out of university as he lacked the funds to continue his education. Due to some unfortunate encounters, his original scholarship funds had disappeared and now he was forced to earn enough to carry on his education journey.

As such, he saw a advertisement ad recruiting a personal assistant in the military. Anyone could be eligible and not only that, the pay was high too. Immediately Sato applies for it, where he soon finds out that it was to be the Personal Assistant for a Major General of the Army of Country Z.

Read this novel as you start to see the relationship that blooms between these two contrasting individuals!

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####
Welcome to Fallout System

Please enter your name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
####

'WHAT THE ACTUAL ----'

'F***' I thought to myself as I stared at the floating screen in front of me. 

After eventually pulling myself together.

'A name, huh?' I said to myself internally. I could always use my name, although I could use my old name it will be confusing as hell when I join the Straw Hat pirates while also having the same name as Robin. 'Heh ... I will cross that bridge when I come to it' I said to myself deciding to keep my old name.  Now on to the family name, how about I name myself after House in Fallout NV, as I have always like House as a character and the name Robin Edwin House sounds quite nice to the ear. 

Deciding on a name I said loudly said to the system "My new name is Robin Edwin House". Instantly after is said the name a new screen popped up in front of me.

###
Are you sure?

Yes    |    No
###

"Yes, I am sure," I said to the system and with my choice made the windows disappeared and a new one popped up.

###
CONGRATULATIONS!

You have been chosen to use the Fallout system.

Below is a basic summary of how the system functions and the effects it has on you.

Firstly the Fallout System doesn't work on the basis of  'stats'  instead of you first have start by setting up your S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Unlike in the fallout games your SPECIAL stats now represents the rate of growth of you corresponding strength and skill. For example: 

- The STR stat will affect your rate of muscle growth. 
- The PER stat will affect the base sharpness of your senses and also the rate on how you can hone skills based on the senses.
- The END stat will affect the growth of your stamina.
- The CHR stat will affect people's perception of you while also helping in building relationships.
- The INT stat will affect the difficulty of skill learning and understanding of a subject.
- The AGI stat will affect how well you can control your body while also helping in the mastering of dexterity based skills.
- The LUC stat will affect on how lucky you are.

As a point of reference, a point of 5 on a stat is considered normal and every point to a stat will increase its effectiveness by a factor of 1.5. So a person with 10 points in STR builds muscle 7.5 times stronger than a person with 5 in STR. 

Another feature of the system in the store. Here the user can buy blueprints and books from the fallout universe and your old world.  To buy from the store the user will need a sufficient number of Caps. Caps can be gained by defeating enemies or by exchanging with real money. As the user is currently in the One Piece verse the exchange rate of Berry to Caps is 100:1.

(I am assuming that Berry has the same value as Japanese yen thus making 100 berry worth around 1 US Dollar. I am also assuming that one Cap is also worth 1 US Dollar) 

The system also comes with the V.A.T.S like feature, but due to balance reasons, it has been nerfed to 10% bullet time (The user perceive the world at 10% speed). The use of VATS is not free and it takes a great deal of mental energy to use it (Basically makes the brain's perception of the world go on overdrive, thus taxing the brain).

Lastly, the system is thought-based, and such the user needs only to think of doing something to start an action.

That's all the user needs to know and now it is time to select your SPECIAL. 
###

Wanting to continue I thought of proceeding, which prompted the screen to change to the classic Special selection screen.

###
Select your S.P.E.C.I.A.L

STR     5
PER     5
END    5
CHR    5
INT     5
AGI     5
LUC    5

Remaining points: 5

After pressing done character setup will end and time will once again move.
###

'Now how should I allocate my points ....' I thought to myself.  Considering that my SPECIAL will affect my future growth it is best to spec into the best. Considering the features given to me by the system speccing to 10 INT seems to be the best course of action, as with the help of the advanced scientific knowledge of the Fallout verse I can enhance the other stats through other means such as power armors, implants or even self-made perfect mutant serum. Stuff that I hope I will be able to make with enough INT.

With that reasoning, I started putting all my remaining points into INT putting the stat up to 10. With that out of the way, I will need to consider if I should keep the stats at average or reducing one stat to increase another. Let says I reduce CHR which was quite a useless stat in Fallout to 0 then it will have an effectiveness of 13% of 5 CHR but if I do that I would also have 5 free stat points which can increase a stat to 7.5 effectiveness.

But because I don't really know how drastic one stat can affect the future it is a tough choice to make. Fuck it I will keep everything else on average as I can't see any way for me to increase the effectiveness of CHR and LUC through any external means. 

Having made my decision said done internally and seeing that time will resume, I made the best of the situation by saying "Soshite toki wa ugoki dasu". 

Right after I said those words the world became colorful once again and Makino continued naming me. 

"How about I call you Robin Edwin House?". She said happily expecting a reaction out of me. 

Not really knowing how to react being given a name that you gave to yourself I mustered up a nod while muttering "Ummm, that sounds like a good name.".

"Okay then from now on your name will be Robin" replied Makino happily seeing my acceptance.

"Now you must still be tired after everything that has happened so why don't you finish up the food and then go back to rest. If you need anything just shout after me, as I will be downstairs tending the bar." After saying that Makino left the room leaving me to my own devices.

The first thing I did as she left was to look at my status.
###
Robin Edwin House
STR     5
PER     5
END    5
CHR    5
INT     10
AGI     5
LUC    5

Caps   1000
Berry  0
###
Seeing that my SPECIAL was in order I continued down the stat sheet and saw that I surprisingly had some caps to start with. Seeing that I had some money I instantly opened up the system shop.
###
SYSTEM SHOP

Welcome to your first visit to the system shop. To start shopping you have to first buy a starter pack. Choose from the three starter packs below. Every one of them costs 1000 Caps.

-Close Range Pack

-Mid Range Pack

-Long Range Pack
###

'Fuck this system is asking me to spend everything I have to even take a peek at the shop'. Seeing that I have no other choice other than to pick a pack I decided to pick the Mid Range Pack.
###
Thank you for buying the Mid Range Pack
You have received the following items:
Blueprints
-Pipe Gun .22 LR
-Standard .22 LR ammo
-Canoe

Books, Novice: 
-Gun construction.
-Physics
-Math
-Cooking 
-Pistol Combat

All blueprints and books the user received from the system will be permanently remembered by the user, but memorizing something is not the same as understanding so even if you buy a blueprint or a book of a high level it is useless if the user doesn't understand them.
###
'Yes!' I said to myself happily. I always liked to use pistols in the games, and now I knew how to build a semi-automatic one by using some scraps, I was ecstatic. And now that I have opened a pack the store was now open for viewing.
###
SYSTEM STORE

BLUEPRINTS
- 9 mm pistol                                - 1000
- Hunting Rifle - Bolt Action   - 1500
- Acid Soaker                                - 500
- Rowboat                                     - 200
SHOW MORE

BOOKS
Gun construction Apprentice - 1000
Physics Apprentice                     - 1000
Math Apprentice                          - 1000
Cooking Apprentice                    - 1000
SHOW MORE
###

Looking through the system store I was shocked to see the prices of some of the blueprints and books. But looking around I gained a better understanding of how it all works. Firstly in the blueprint section one can buy nearly every blueprint imaginable it doesn't restrict what type of item one is searching for.

As for the books, books on subjects are divided 5 ranks novice, apprentice, adept, journeyman and master. To buy every rank one must first buy the book from the rank below and understand it. Books of a higher rank also come at a higher price and every rank increase the price is multiplied by 10 (If a novice book cost 100 Caps, an apprentice book would cost 1000 Caps and a master book would cost  1 000 000 Caps). 

Seeing that I have no Caps I exited the shop and continued to test out VATS. To use all I had to do was think of using it and by doing so I noticed the world turned black and white and everything went at 10% speed. This moment only lasted for what seemed to be 2 seconds (0.2 seconds real-time) before I started feeling mentally strained. Noticing that I am getting tired I exited out of VATS, but because I was so tired I didn't have any mental energy left so I let sleep take me.

*Clack*
The dark gold metallic gate closed and she walked through a stone path made for two cars two run through. High trees were at both sides and a slight cold was felt in the shadows made by them.
She walked for a quarter of an hour at a normal pace but she had yet to arrive. She could see two upper floors now, though; so she was closer to the house.
*Bzzt, bzzt…*
A buzzing sound came from her denim shoulder bag.
"Um?" She stopped, opened her bag, and took out her pink smartphone. 
[Not My Clone] [Incoming Call…]
"Hmm…" She looked at the screen for a couple of seconds and before the call was missed, she slid her finger on the screen and resumed her steps.
//"Yo! So this is the phone number you are using.
//"Tch, I called you several times from the one you sent me a message and you are using this one. Are you feigning being a commoner again or what?"//
"Tsk, if you call me only to nag, I'm hanging up."
//"Ha! And here I was all worried. Since you sent me your subtle message 'I'm in Seoul' yesterday, I thought you will be coming to the house to stay."//
"Why should I? I left the house."
//"Correction. You left the Busan house."//
"It's the same."
//"How stubborn… 
//"Anyway, need me to find you a place?"//
"Do you think I'm that useless?"
//"… No."//
"You…"
//"Haha… Of course not, my dear little sister, but I don't think you are in Seoul to stay as Namgung either so your big brother has been worried to death as you didn't come to sleep."//
"Strip that big brother facade, you are only nine minutes older and not even our mother will buy you are worried, you know?!"
//"Haha… how cruel…"//
"Um? I'm hanging…" Nam Ha-Eun said when the complete four-floor, old European-style mansion appeared before her eyes.
//"Wait, wait, I call you to have dinner…"//
"You know I hate exposition and you are all over the media now…"
//"Ha! Wait…"//
*Tap* She hung up and put her pink smartphone back to her shoulder bag.
'Though I do hate exposition, I have to do this.'
"Haa-"
*Bzzt, bzzt…*
Her smartphone buzzed again but she ignored it.
…
*Tan, tan*
After going up the steps before the entrance, she knocked at the big brown wooden double-door.
…
*Creak*
"Ahh…"
"Miss Nam?" A middle-aged man of foreign features in a black suit asked as he surveyed her from head to toe. 
"Yes."
"Please, come in."
"Thank you, amh…" she replied with wonder.
"Roland Richards," he answered as he turned around to lead the way.
"Thank you, Mr. Richards." As she decided to act humble, she was polite and reserved.
"Please call me Roland, Miss Nam," he looked over his shoulder with his blue eyes.
"All right, Roland," she smiled at him.
"Sir Kwon won't be here till night. Miss Nam will have to wait."
"Sure," she smiled again.
Roland Richards didn't look at her anymore and focused on leading the way.
Nam Ha-Eun just followed him without any particular interest on the mansion's layout. 
…
They arrived at a classic living room with big windows and a golden chandelier hanging above the oval wooden tea table in the middle of the four-piece brown sofa set.
"Miss Nam can wait here.
"There are some books in the bookshelves, if Miss Nam wish to read them, feel free of helping yourself."
Nam Ha-Eun nodded.
"Which drink may I bring, Miss Nam?"
"Oh, I would like some coffee," she replied as she stared at the books in the bookshelves, they seemed to be rather old.
"What type of coffee?"
"A mocha…" she walked towards the bookshelves.
Roland Richards dismissed himself.
Nam Ha-Eun passed her eyes thought the books' titles but didn't take any.
At length, she sat on the two-seater sofa and took her smartphone out.
[3 missed calls]
[1 message]
"…"
*Tap*
[3. Not My Clone]
*Tap, tap*
[11:30 pm at Notte Profumata. It's quite late so it should be all right. You can come with your chick nerdy looks if you want.]
'It's not only quite late, it is really late…' She rolled her eyes.
*Tap, tap, tap…* She closed the message's screen and opened one where she began to write.
*****
Hours went by and she only parted her sight from her smartphone's screen to reply to Roland Richards. Even when she was drinking her mocha coffee or eating the cheesecake with blueberries that were brought to her, she maintained her grey eyes and one hand tapping on the screen.
…
"You did come and I heard you have been waiting for long."
*Tap, tap, tap…*
Nam Ha-Eun didn't hear anything; she was concentrated tapping on her phone.
"However, it seems, you didn't feel so…" a low whisper sounded as the red-haired Kwon Chung-Hee turned his slanted light brown eyes from her to sit on the individual sofa.
…
Nam Ha-Eun furrowed her brows and stopped tapping on the screen.
"Are you done?"
"…" she turned her head around and her eyes met the handsome Kwon Chung-Hee, "Oh, you have arrived."
"…"

After a fight with her family, Nam Ha-Eun, ran away from home and for the first time in six years of seclusion she attended and let herself drown in the heat of the parties she came to hate to forget all her problems.

Unfortunately for her, her problems only increased. Three weeks later after she had vowed never to go to a noisy party again, she found herself pregnant.

In the midst of her anguish and thoughts of what to do, she remembered a selfie that mustn't meet the light in her phone; one where she was with the hottie she had slept with that night. As she had taken one or two uncompromising photos with him too, she used the net to see if she was lucky enough to find something about him and she did!

In no time, she discovered that the father of her unborn child was no other than Kwon Chung-Hee, the youngest CEO that Ceux Conglomerate had ever had!

‘No wonder I lost control of myself, with a collected charmer like him… no wonder but why… why did it have to be him! Why with a CEO!!!’ she struggled; she felt bad-blood when it came to tycoons.

However, with her pride in play after leaving home, chasing what she hates became a must.

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